Cattiverie a domicilio

This British comedy is, rather like the content of the letters on which the plot is based, somewhat crude and unsubtle. The characters are largely stereotypes - the prim, god-fearing Edith, the foul-mouthed slatternly Irishwoman Rose, the misogynistic buffoons (pretty much all the male characters). Timothy Spall plays a nasty bully, and this, along with the early friendship between Edith and Rose, which breaks down, mainly due to his influence, suggests there is a potential for a stronger story here - if the film had been brave enough to escape the rather one-joke plotline approach. The use of black and Asian actors to portray characters in roles where this would not have been historically accurate has now become almost obligatory, but is still a bit of an irritating anachronism. Overall, the film does have its moments, but does feel like a bit of a missed opportunity.

Okay, so it sounds as though Thea Sharrock's "Wicked Little Letters" took a lot of creative liberties, but you gotta love the overall story, with a town in 1920 England suddenly filled with obscene letters and blaming an abrasive Irish immigrant.

The movie at once both addresses distrust of the "other" (especially considering how the English viewed the Irish) and people's tendency to dumb down their language to sound "appropriate". One scene in particular seems to say "well that felt good". I wouldn't call it a masterpiece - especially when you read about the inaccuracies - but it's got some funny stuff. I suspect that deep down, a lot of Christians wish that they could spout all the profanities they want.

In addition to stars Olivia Colman and Jessie Buckley, it also has Anjana Vasan (from last year's season finale of "Black Mirror"), Timothy Spall (Wormtail in the Harry Potter movies) and Alisha Weir (the title character in the recent "Abigail").

'Wicked Little Letters' is hysterically funny and unique. It takes a somewhat humorous true story and adds some great social commentary.

The narrative and themes within this are incredibly strong. By exploring how female behaviour was strictly controlled in a patriarchal and religious setting, the film emphasises the absurdity and hypocrisy in how 1920s women were treated. Jessie Buckley, Olivia Coleman, and Anjana Vasan make for an excellent leading trio!

Although, the cinematography and editing needed to be more adventurous. It could have visually reflected the personality of each of the main trio, such as having Buckley's character scenes having more unconventional visuals. This is only a slight criticism though. Please check this one out if you are not adversed to swearing!

Simple and entertaining with a good ensemble cast. There are a few laughs to be had although quite a lot of the funny parts were in the trailer. Olivia Colman is always a delight to watch with Jessie Buckley stealing the show with some excellent acting as the unpredictable, foul mouthed Rose. Timothy Small plays a character so hideous it is hard to watch at times. It's a story about female empowerment and it still frustrates me that women were treated like this only in the last century. The scenes with the gang of women clubbing together to help Rose were a highlight. Wicked Little Letters reminded me in tone of The Banshees of Inisherin albeit with a much more positive narrative.

Very good, this!

'Wicked Little Letters' is fun. Olivia Colman and Jessie Buckley impress in lead roles, both managing to stand out just as much as the other - Colman is particularly perfectly cast. The rest of them merit praise as well, namely Anjana Vasan and Timothy Spall.

There isn't much more to note about this really and I don't mean that in a negative way whatsoever. It's all competently put together, as those onscreen bring this rather simple film to life - and I like those type of movies. Well worth a watch! Happy that I managed to catch it at the cinema on the big screen, always nice.