Common Sense Media Review
By Stefan Pape
,
based on child development research. How do we rate?
Potty-mouthed British comedy has lots and lots of swearing.
Parents Need to Know
Why Age 15+?
Any Positive Content?
Where to Watch
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Wicked Little Letters
What's the Story?
WICKED LITTLE LETTERS takes place in Littlehampton, England, in the 1920s, where two neighbors, who are total opposites, live next door to each other. Edith Swan (Olivia Colman), who lives with her tyrannical father (Timothy Spall), is conservative and prudish. While Rose Gooding (Jessie Buckley), who moved to the area after the death of her partner during World War I, is free-spirited and fearless. The pair fall out, and in the wake of their disagreement, Edith starts to receive lots of letters full of crass and degrading language, and so naturally the police suspect it must be Rose behind it all. Though for Police Officer Gladys (Anjana Vasan), there could be more here than meets the eye.
Is It Any Good?
For a movie full of some of the most creative expletives you're likely to hear, it's perhaps odd to call it endearing and at times laugh out funny. What is for certain is that Wicked Little Letters, based on real events, feels quintessentially British. The humour does survive primarily from the colorful language in the letters that the prudish Edith receives as well as the profane turns of phrase used by her neighbor and number one suspect Rose. For some, this humor may wear thin after a while. But the film also has some profound elements to the narrative, which often prove to be its biggest strengths. For example, the sadness that exists within the character of Edith, especially concerning the tumultuous relationship with her oppressive father, carries significant weight. Though so much of that is down to the hugely impressive, and ever-dependable Colman. She brings such nuance and humanity to a role that in the wrong hands could have felt cartoonish. But, while she handles the comedic elements with aplomb, she also takes the role seriously as she always does, and in turn, the film is all the better for it.
Talk to Your Kids About ...
Families can talk about the language used in Wicked Little Letters. Was it offensive, funny, or both? What did it add to the story?
Police Officer Gladys was underestimated and undervalued in her role. Why do you think this was? What character strengths did she display to prove people wrong?
The film studies the roles and expectations of women in Britain in the 1920s. Was there anything that surprised you? How has society changed?
Discuss the relationship between Edith and her father. How did Edward behave toward his daughter? Why do you think this was? What impact did it have?
Movie Details
- In theaters : March 29, 2024
- On DVD or streaming : May 7, 2024
- Cast : Olivia Colman , Jessie Buckley , Timothy Spall
- Director : Thea Sharrock
- Inclusion Information : Female Movie Director(s) , Female Movie Actor(s)
- Studio : Sony Pictures Classics
- Genre : Comedy
- Topics : History
- Character Strengths : Teamwork
- Run time : 100 minutes
- MPAA rating :
- MPAA explanation : language throughout and sexual material
- Last updated : September 18, 2025
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