Wicked Little Letters

Anne and I enjoyed this little jewel a lot on the last Friday of May, and yes, there were only two of us representing TIC. It was bit of disappointment in the beginning, but we enjoyed our movie night and each other’s company nevertheless. I had never heard about this movie before and did not have any idea what the movie was about. This lack of foreknowledge can be a good ingredient for a great movie experience.
The following is the short description of the movie by Cinecitta:

• 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 neighbors: 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.

In order not to spoil your movie experience, I will not reveal more about the story plot and limit the review to my experience of the movie.

First of all, I must tell that the movie was very well made, good sets, costumes, interesting characters, storylines and fabulous acting. In the beginning, you see the clear contrast between “proper” traditional and religious Swam family and the free spirit, Rose. But gradually through the subtle expressions of the actors, you began to see more complicated realities behind the obvious. It was fascinating to see a kind of spiritual liberation of the protagonist Edith wonderfully played by Olivia Colman. And it was not only Edith, but other female characters as well who represented the women’s emancipation in the early 20th century of England. It has also some Sherlock Homes factors.

This might not be a movie to be nominated for an Oscar next year. Nevertheless a very enjoyable hilarious comedy which can also make you think about the impact of oppression by families and societies.

I recommend this movie to anyone (above a certain age) to have a nice movie night at home or at a theater.