STORYLINE: A 1920s English seaside town bears witness to a dark, absurd scandal in this riotous mystery comedy. Based on a stranger-than-fiction true story, “Wicked Little Letters” follows two neighbours: deeply-conservative local Edith Swan (Olivia Colman) and rowdy Irish migrant Rose Gooding (Jessie Buckley). When Edith and fellow residents start to receive wicked letters full of unintentionally hilarious profanities, foul-mouthed Rose is charged with the crime. The anonymous letters prompt a national uproar, and a trial ensues. However, as the town’s women, led by Police Officer Gladys Moss (Anjana Vasan), begin to investigate the crime themselves, they suspect that something is amiss and Rose might not be the culprit after all. (IMDb)

    There is a genre of film I call truth is stranger then fiction. I call it this because who could make up the events potrayed in the film.  Entries include Bernie (2011), Blackkkkansman (2018), the 2023 documentary Mister Organ and now the 2024 Pliva Colman release Wicked Little Letters.

    The film sits at a unique crossroads of charming and depth.  The issues range from cultural tensions, the treat,entertainment of weomen in the nineteen twenties, post war loss, religious and political influence all tp name a few.  The issues gelt well attended to but never felt like they over whelmed the movie to make it preachy.  I hate preachy movies. 

   The movie is anchored by two performances.  The first is by Jessie Buckley of Women Talking fame.  The second is by Olivia Coleman from The Father and herb Oscar winning performance in The Favourite. The film works because of the chemistry created in the odd rivalry between the two characters.

   The supporting cast shines as well.  It included Harry Potter’s Timothy Spall.

    Until next time I will see you at the movies!