This post is part of my movie-a-day challenge in which I will watch a film every day for 365 days. Today is Day 277! You can see all the posts for this challenge HERE. To see the original Movie-a-Day Challenge post, click HERE.
Hey Friends!
So, last night, I finally got around to watching “Wicked Little Letters” (2023), and let me tell you, it was an absolute hoot! This has got to be one of the funniest films I’ve seen in a long time. Seriously, it’s been a minute since a movie had me in stitches like this one did. If you’re looking for something to jolt your funny bone, dive right in, but be ready for a barrage of swearing that would make a sailor blush. So if you’re sensitive to that kind of thing, this might not be your cup of tea.
Alright, so, “Wicked Little Letters” is set in a small English town in the 1920s, where everything seems picture-perfect until a series of scandalous, vulgar and downright outrageous letters start popping up. And man, these letters are no joke – they’re wild, unapologetic, and downright hilarious. The townsfolk are shocked, horrified, amused, and everything in between.
What unfolds is this mix of mystery and comedy, with everyone trying to figure out who’s behind these naughty little notes. Everyone’s pointing fingers at Rose (Jessie Buckley), the town’s “loose woman,” but things aren’t quite what they seem. The film follows a group of women, led by the prim and proper Edith (Olivia Colman), as they try to uncover the true identity of the letter writer.
Now, the chemistry between Olivia Colman and Jessie Buckley is absolutely electric! They’re both such powerhouses, and their comedic timing is impeccable. I mean, there’s one scene where they have a standoff in the middle of the street, and I swear I was crying from laughter. The supporting cast is also fantastic, with Timothy Spall stealing every scene he’s in as the slimy police officer.
Thea Sharrock’s direction really shines here. She’s managed to balance the chaos and hilarity with moments of genuine heart, which isn’t always easy with a comedy. Some scenes are so brilliantly absurd that you can’t help but laugh out loud.
One thing I didn’t expect was the amount of warmth and humanity in the film. Amidst all the chaos and crude humor, there are these beautiful moments of connection and understanding. It really surprised me – in a good way. You end up caring for the characters, even the ones who are a bit more, shall we say, morally gray.
But what really makes “Wicked Little Letters” stand out is its feminist message. It’s a hilarious and heartwarming story about women finding their voices and standing up against the patriarchy. There’s a scene where the women gather in a secret meeting, and it’s like a rallying cry for female empowerment. You can’t help but cheer them on!
The writing is sharp and witty, and the humor is very British – so if you’re into that kind of dry, satirical stuff, you’re going to love it. That being said, the film does lean heavily on the swearing. It’s not for the faint-hearted when it comes to language, but it’s all part of the charm. It’s like when you listen to someone who’s really good at swearing; it’s almost an art form.
Oh, and did I mention that this film is based on a true story? Yep, you heard that right! Apparently, there was a real-life poison pen letter scandal in the 1920s, and the women of the town banded together to solve the mystery. It’s crazy to think that this actually happened, but it just adds another layer of intrigue to the film.
So yeah, “Wicked Little Letters” is a riotous, laugh-out-loud romp that doesn’t skimp on the profanities but packs in a surprising amount of heart. If you’re in the mood for a comedy that’s a bit offbeat but totally entertaining, this one’s for you. Just be ready for a delightful, if slightly inappropriate, experience. Maybe you’ll pick up a few new swear words along the way!
Peace out, ✌️
Roger