A century ago, the tranquil English town of Littlehampton was rocked by a wave of scandalous events that could easily be compared to today’s online trolling. The source of this chaos? Poison pen letters – meticulously crafted missives of offensive content that targeted members of the seaside community. With their salty vocabulary and impeccable penmanship, the anonymous writer ignited a frenzied police investigation and a series of sensational trials. Although forgotten for nearly a century, the story has resurfaced in the form of a bawdy black comedy titled “Wicked Little Letters.”
A Comedy Rooted in a Bygone Era
“Wicked Little Letters” is far from the outrageous spectacle it claims to be. Instead, it offers a tongue-in-cheek retelling of the Littlehampton scandal, exploring the gender dynamics of the 1920s. At its core are three remarkable female characters: Edith Swan, the target of the poison pen letters; Rose Gooding, Edith’s disruptive Irish neighbor accused of being the sender; and Gladys Moss, Sussex’s first woman police officer who strives to uncover the truth behind the mystery.
Unraveling a Web of Betrayal
Portrayed by Olivia Colman with exaggerated piety, Edith finds herself at odds with her liberated and audacious neighbor Rose, played by Jessie Buckley. With a Black boyfriend who challenges societal norms, Rose becomes a symbol of defiance against the puritanical patriarchy. As the story unfolds, we discover that beneath their differences, Edith and Rose were once the closest of friends. But now, Edith is convinced that Rose is behind the scandalous letters, and she spares no effort in bringing her supposed enemy to justice.
The Power of Authenticity
In a world dominated by sexism and racism, Gladys Moss, brilliantly portrayed by Anjana Vasan, faces daily challenges as Sussex’s first woman police officer. Her male colleagues belittle her, underestimating the value she brings to their professional endeavors. In highlighting the prejudices faced by women in the workplace, the film offers a scathing criticism of these outdated dynamics.
Unmasking the Culprit
While the movie tackles pertinent social issues of religious hypocrisy and gender inequality, it sometimes lacks subtlety in its portrayal of bigots and blowhards. Nonetheless, a twist awaits as the truth unravels. Although early 20th-century courts may not have placed much value on handwriting analysis, we, the viewers, can see the evidence plain as day. The culprit is hiding in plain sight.
Finding Strength in Adversity
Amidst the chaos and humiliation, Edith finds an unexpected solace in the attention brought by the scandal. As her story spreads, she becomes an unlikely local celebrity, collecting newspaper clippings detailing the shame she endures. In this clash between Edith and Rose, the film delves deeper into the power of media and public judgment. It serves as a poignant reminder of how scandal and controversy captivate the masses, turning them into fervent commenters who openly disparage one another.
A Triumph of Dignity
Ironically, the personal attacks suffered by Edith and her peers only intensified when they chose to make the cruel letters public. However, it is through this adversity that Rose, with her free-spirited nature, emerges as a symbol of dignity. Rising above the slander, she exemplifies the strength to withstand the harshest scrutiny.
As we witness the battle of these complex and flawed characters unfold, “Wicked Little Letters” presents a captivating account of a primitive form of online flame wars. With its cleverly crafted insults reminiscent of the legendary Armando Iannucci, the film provides a window into the conservative world of the 1920s, where scandals and rivalries were fuel for endless gossip.