rec160: Wicked Little Letters

MOVIE

Starring: Olivia Colman, Jessie Buckley

Release: 1923/24

I thoroughly enjoyed this light comedy, a beautifully crafted nod to an actual event in 1920s England in which poison pen letters raise a scandal. Colman plays devout spinster Edith, around whom the storm develops as she receives foul insults via post. Suspicion falls on neighbour Rose (Buckley), an Irish mum of one who is delightfully non-conformist. The pair have a great deal of fun working off each other, and are ably supported by a cast that includes Timothy Spall at his loathsome best and Anjana Vasan, a ‘woman police officer’ displaying consummate eye rolls as she forges ahead against sexism as she seeks to solve the case. Writer Johnny Sweet balances comedy, character and serious stakes as the case splits the town. The best part of seeing it at the cinema was the cackling of the women behind us as some of the choice curses were displayed as the credits rolled. ‘Foxy arse’ may be due for a revival…