Wicked Little Letters Synopsis & Review: Plot Summary

🎯 Quick Overview

😅 Plot Summary – Badly Explained

A prude and a party girl have a swear-off, and the whole town gets involved because apparently, everyone’s easily offended in 1920s England.

🍿 Wicked Little Letters: Detailed Plot Synopsis

The Anonymous Letters Begin

In the quaint seaside town of Littlehampton in the 1920s, Edith Swan, a devout and repressed woman, begins to receive a series of anonymous letters filled with crude and profane language. Shocked and offended, Edith and her overbearing father, Edward, immediately suspect their new neighbor, Rose Gooding, a boisterous and free-spirited Irish woman. Rose, a single mother living with a Black man named Bill, doesn’t fit in with the town’s conservative sensibilities. Her outspoken nature and unconventional lifestyle make her an easy target for suspicion. The local constable, Papperwick, quickly arrests Rose based on Edith’s accusations, despite a lack of concrete evidence.

Gladys Moss Investigates

Woman Police Officer Gladys Moss, one of the few female officers in the force, has doubts about Rose’s guilt. She notices inconsistencies in the evidence and feels that the handwriting in the letters doesn’t quite match Rose’s. However, her male superiors dismiss her concerns, blinded by their prejudices against Rose. Determined to uncover the truth, Gladys begins her own investigation, enlisting the help of other women in the town who also suspect something is amiss. Together, they question the evidence against Rose and look for clues that might point to the real culprit.

The Trial and Public Opinion

Rose is imprisoned and faces trial, becoming a pariah in the community. The letters spark a scandal, and public opinion is largely against her. Despite the lack of solid proof, Rose’s reputation precedes her, and many believe she is guilty simply because of her background and outspokenness. During the trial, Gladys and her allies work tirelessly to uncover the truth, facing resistance from the authorities and the prejudice of the townsfolk. They analyze the letters, look for patterns, and try to find evidence that will exonerate Rose and expose the true author of the wicked little letters.

⚠️ Spoilers and Ending Explained

🎬 Cast & Characters

• Rose Gooding (Jessie Buckley): A rowdy, Irish migrant and single mother who is wrongly accused of writing wicked letters.
• Edith Swan (Olivia Colman): A deeply religious, conservative local woman who receives the obscene letters and accuses her neighbor, Rose.
• Gladys Moss (Anjana Vasan): A determined Woman Police Officer who suspects Rose is innocent and investigates the letters.
• Edward Swan (Timothy Spall): Edith’s domineering and controlling father, who is quick to judge Rose and support his daughter.
• Bill (Malachi Kirby): Rose’s supportive and understanding partner, who faces prejudice in the small town.

💬 Memorable Quotes

• Rose Gooding: “You miserable, old, cow-bag!” – Rose’s general disposition leads her to exclaim this in various circumstances, representing her rowdy nature.
• Edith Swan: “Forgive us our trespasses as we forgive those who trespass against us. ” – A repeated sentiment that highlights Edith’s religious and conservative disposition.
• Gladys Moss: “I’m going to find out who’s doing this, and when I do, they’ll be sorry.” – Gladys expressing her determination to solve the case and seek justice.

💰Box Office

• Budget: $20,000,000
• Domestic Gross: $5,008,179
• Worldwide Gross: $27,219,729

💥 Wicked Little Letters Reviews

Personal Review

I absolutely loved this movie! The humor caught me off guard, and I found myself laughing out loud throughout. Seeing Olivia Colman and Jessie Buckley together was fantastic; their chemistry was undeniable. The storyline kept me engaged, and I found myself rooting for justice. It’s a great reminder that sometimes, the most unexpected people can surprise you. Definitely one I’ll be recommending to friends!

• Who would enjoy:
  • “Fans of British comedies”
  • “Viewers interested in historical dramas with a comedic twist”
  • “Those who enjoy films with strong female characters and themes of female empowerment”
  • “Fans of Jessie Buckley and Olivia Colman”
• Content warnings ⚠:
  • “Frequent strong language and profanity”
  • “Mild sexual references”
  • “Themes of prejudice and social injustice”

Professional Reviews

• The Guardian: “Sharrock’s film, powered by Buckley and Colman, delivers laughs and a surprisingly insightful commentary on societal constraints. The film tackles themes of misogyny and female empowerment with a light but effective touch, making it a thoroughly enjoyable cinematic experience.
• Empire Magazine: “While the humor is often derived from the contrast between proper society and profanity, the film also explores deeper themes of prejudice and justice. The performances are strong, but the film sometimes struggles to balance its comedic and dramatic elements, resulting in an uneven but ultimately entertaining watch.
• Variety: “Wicked Little Letters is a riotous comedy that delves into the bizarre true story of scandalous letters that shook a small town. The film’s strength lies in the captivating performances of Colman and Buckley. The film provides a delightful examination of societal hypocrisy.

Audience Reactions

The witty and unexpected profanity delivered by the cast made this movie a laugh riot!: The humor and strong female performances made this a truly enjoyable experience.

The film’s message about standing up against societal norms resonated with me.: Many viewers loved how the film tackles serious topics with a comedic twist.

Overall Consensus: Wicked Little Letters is generally well-received for its humor, strong performances, and engaging storyline, though some find the blend of comedy and drama uneven.

Awards

🛠️ Behind the Scenes

• “The film is based on a true story that took place in Littlehampton, England, in the 1920s.”
• “Olivia Colman and Jessie Buckley previously starred together in ‘The Lost Daughter’.”
• “The profanity-laced letters used in the film were inspired by the actual letters from the real case.”

🖥️ How to Watch Wicked Little Letters?

Wicked Little Letters is currently available to rent or purchase on various digital platforms such as Prime Video, Apple TV, Google Play Movies, and Vudu. Check your local listings for cinema availability as well.

🎥 Similar Movies

If you enjoyed Wicked Little Letters, you might like these similar films:

• The Favourite (2018): Features Olivia Colman in a period setting with dark humor and complex female characters.
• Paddington 2 (2017): Shares a similar whimsical and charming British tone with a focus on community and justice.
• The Banshees of Inisherin (2022): Stars both Colin Farrell and Brendan Gleeson in a tragicomedy set in Ireland, dealing with darker and absurd elements, similar to how Wicked Little Letters plays against its comedic setting.

🛒 Wicked Little Letters Related Products

• Wicked Little Letters: The Real Scandal: Delve deeper into the stranger-than-fiction true story with this digital book. Learn about the real people and events that inspired the movie.
• Poison Pen Letter Writing Kit: Channel your inner Edith or Rose with this old-fashioned letter writing set, including vintage stationery, a fountain pen, and inkwell. Limited edition set.
• Wicked Little Letters Movie Poster: High-quality print of the official movie poster. Perfect for decorating your home or office. Adds a touch of cinematic charm.
• Littlehampton Village Puzzle: A beautifully illustrated jigsaw puzzle featuring the picturesque village of Littlehampton, as depicted in the movie. Enjoy hours of entertainment.

🎧 Soundtrack

Wicked Little Letters features a captivating soundtrack that enhances the movie’s atmosphere and emotional impact. Here are some notable tracks:

• “Crazy Blues” – performed by Noble Sissle with Eubie Blake

You can find the complete soundtrack on Amazon Music and Apple Music.

🤨 FAQ

🔥 Bonus Content

Olivia Colman’s husband was kicked off set! #WickedLittleLetters #Film

OMG, did you know Olivia Colman’s husband got kicked off the set of ‘Wicked Little Letters’? This short clip from Film4 is hilarious and gives you a peek at some on-set antics!

“F*****’ BOOM!” Olivia Colman and Jessie Buckley on pigeon impressions and Wicked Little Letters

You HAVE to see this interview with Olivia Colman and Jessie Buckley! They do pigeon impressions and it’s total chaos. Trust me, you’ll laugh!

Mark Kermode reviews Wicked Little Letters – Kermode and Mayo’s Take

Want to know if ‘Wicked Little Letters’ is worth watching? Mark Kermode gives his honest opinion in this review. He always has great insights!

The true story behind WICKED LITTLE LETTERS – Starring Olivia Colman and Jessie Buckley

Did you know ‘Wicked Little Letters’ is based on a true story? This video dives into the real-life scandal that inspired the film. It’s actually pretty wild!

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