Opened: February 23, 2024

Directed by: Thea Sharrock

Starring: Olivia Colman, Jessie Buckley, Anjana Vasan, Timothy Spall, Joanna Scanlan, Gemma Jones, Malachi Kirby, Lolly Adefope, Eileen Atkins, Hugh Skinner, Paul Chahidi, Alisha Weir, Jason Watkins, Richard Goulding, Tim Key & Krishni Patel

Based on a real-life scandal, Wicked Little Letters is outrageous fun but not for the faint of heart if cursing bothers you.

Christian spinster Edith (Olivia Colman) continually receives anonymous letters speaking about her with vulgarity, whom the police believe to be written by her neighbor Rose (Jessie Buckley). Officer Gladys Moss (Anjana Vasan) believes her team is wrong and begins to investigate herself.

Early on, you’ll likely be able to deduce who the actual culprit of the letters is. The film might reveal it too early, but it becomes obvious beforehand, and the reveal allows the story to develop further.

Colman and Buckley bring brilliant laughter with their dirty-mouthed characters, but it’s Vasan who will surprise you with her spirited character that is looked down upon because of being a woman.

Final say: A delicious small-town scandal. ★★★☆☆