Wicked Little Letters: Review
Wicked Little Letters is a delightful whirlwind of entertainment. A dark comedy set in a bygone era, the film delivers non-stop laughs and a stellar ensemble cast, led by Olivia Colman and Jessie Buckley, who all shine in their roles. From start to finish, it's a rollercoaster of hilarity that had me in stitches throughout. If you're looking for a raucous ride filled with Olivia Colman swearing for a solid 100 minutes, then this is for you.
In the quaint village of Littlehampton, nestled amidst the English countryside in the 1920s, a sinister mystery unravels. Edith (Olivia Colman), a devout church attendee, finds herself the target of a relentless barrage of scandalous poison pen letters. The culprit? None other than her once-close friend and neighbor, Rose (Jessie Buckley), known for her sharp tongue and quick wit. Despite their past camaraderie, a rift forms between Edith and Rose after a simple misunderstanding escalates into something far more insidious. As the letters continue to pour in, accusing Edith of every conceivable wrongdoing, the villagers point fingers at Rose as the likely culprit.
However, Woman Police Officer Gladys Moss (Anjana Vasan) refuses to accept the easy explanation. Suspecting deeper motives at play, Gladys rallies a group of determined women to delve into the shadows of Littlehampton's secrets. Together, they uncover a tangled web of deceit, betrayal, and hidden truths, challenging the very fabric of their seemingly idyllic village life.
One aspect I found refreshing was how swiftly the filmmakers resolved the mystery. It's evident they trust the audience's intuition, assuming many viewers will pick up on the likely culprit early on. By avoiding prolonged suspense, they dive straight into the meaty and uproarious second and third acts. This approach creates a sense of camaraderie among us as we collectively revel in the unfolding hilarity.
In Wicked Little Letters, screenwriter Jonny Sweet fearlessly satirizes the insular nature of small-town gossip and the entrenched misogyny of the early 1900s society. While elements like the necessity of gender identifiers in job titles and societal judgments on unmarried women in their 40s provide comedic fodder, they also serve as poignant reflections of the era, resonating with contemporary issues.
Although the film boasts an ensemble cast, it's Olivia Colman who steals the show effortlessly, thanks to her richly layered character. Her portrayal blends uproarious comedy with hints of underlying mischief, captivating the audience with every expression. Colman deftly navigates her character's complexity, revealing depths beyond mere conservatism, marked by the lingering scars of paternal dominance and misogyny.
Jessie Buckley, as always, shines alongside Colman, reprising their chemistry from The Lost Daughter. Buckley's portrayal as a brash and formidable adversary adds a dynamic energy to their on-screen interactions, creating electrifying moments that leave audiences eagerly anticipating their next clash. Anjana Vasan, known for her role in "Killing Eve," injects further vitality into the narrative as she embodies the audience's quest for justice, leading a spirited ensemble of supporting women.
As an ensemble, this exceptional cast breathes life into Wicked Little Letters, infusing it with an irresistible blend of charm and wit that captivates audiences from beginning to end. Frankly, the film is an absolute blast; I can't remember the last time I laughed this hard during a movie. It genuinely took my breath away – it's a sheer delight, brimming with infectious fun that's downright delicious. It's perfection in every sense.
Grade: 5/5