Director: Thea Sharrock
Starring: Jessie Buckley, Gemma Jones and Malachi Kirby
‘A Captivating Classic’
Not many actresses in Britain have charisma of Gemma Jones. Ever since her rise to fame during the 1990’s, Jones has made fantastic movies. Whether ifs magical teachers, bold political leaders or wicked authors, Jones has portrayed many strong characters. Arguably, Jones’ finest strength as an actress has often been her strong commitment toward her craft. She is one of those rare actresses which has often had an aptitude for stealing the show in supporting roles with limited screen time. Even when she isn’t the main focus of a movie, the actress has always left a strong impression on the viewer. A British icon, Jones has become an actress that audiences cherish. Throughout her enduring career, Jones has made several movies that are worth talking about without a single doubt.
I’m a huge fan of the actress and adore all the movies she has made. However, “Wicked Little Letters” is my personal favourite. Released in 2023, Thea Sharrock’s movie offered a strong portrait of British writers. Packed with powerful production, engaging storytelling and fantastic acting, it’s one of the best period pieces made. At the centre of it all is a fabulous performance by Gemma Jones, who portrays a housekeeper that endured tension. Ultimately, what makes “Wicked Little Letters” a captivating classic is its universal appeal. Unlike most British period dramas, it tackles strong themes everyone will relate to. A captivating period piece, there are many reasons why “Wicked Little Letters” is a film worth seeing.
Set in the town of Littlehampton, “Wicked Little Letters” tells the story of women that receive profane letters. Olivia Colman portrays Edith Swan, a British housekeeper that has always cared deeply about her community. Edith has always strived to protect her community from harmful adversity. However, Edith’s life forever changes when she witnessed insulting letters causing disaster. Sensing that something has gone amiss, Edith blames her neighbour Rose (Jessie Buckley) for the incident. The women in a community led by the housekeeper Victoria (Gemma Jones) seek to resolve the letters that cause a dilemma. As all the odds are stacked against her favour, Edith begins to wonder if it’s possible for her to overcome letters which cause disaster. Feeling conflicted, Edith soon begins to question whether she can overcome letters that are wicked.
Thea Sharrock is a newcomer towards mystery movies. Before she had created “Wicked Little Letters”, Sharrock had never made a mystery movie before. It was the filmmaker’s attempt to capture lives of women which are affected by letters in mystery but she succeeded. Using stunning cinematography, Sharrock captures the tensions faced by women that become the centre of mystery. Evoking Joe Wright’s “Pride and Prejudice”, Sharrock captures the tensions faced by women which face a mystery through montages. For instance, montages elevate the letters scene. During this intense scene, Edith receives profane letters that cause a mystery. Through montages, Sharrock captures tension that women in a mystery are facing. Montages are tricky techniques to use in movies. As Ang Lee’s “Sense & Sensibility” proved, montages elevate Jane Austen adaptations. However, it works immensely in this film. Through stunning visuals, Sharrock captures tensions women in a mystery are facing.
Another impressive aspect of “Wicked Little Letters” that merits appreciation is production design. From a technical perspective, the film is extremely well made. Sharrock successfully uses costume design to capture the hardships faced by women that decline. Throughout the movie, Edith’s costumes showcase her strong transformation into a writer that experiences tension. For instance, costumes enhance the writer confrontation scene. During this intense scene, Edith confronts Rose about the letters accusing her of committing crimes causing a tension. Using compelling costumes, Sharrock captures the tensions that women in a mystery are facing. Moreover, the musical score is truly marvellous. Isobel Waller-Bridge’s score is key to the success of the movie. It gives the movie a tense atmosphere capturing the burden that women facing wrongful accusation bear. Using gorgeous production, Sharrock captures lives of women facing tension.
Storytelling is one of the main reasons why “Wicked Little Letters” is a film that’s worth watching. The film is beautifully written, and effectively uses voice over narration to signal women that face tension. Throughout the film, Edith expresses her feelings about letters she receives through narration. For instance, the voice-over narration elevates the diary scene. During this memorable scene, Edith recounts memories of her childhood she has recorded in a diary. Through narration, Sharrock captures women which audiences can easily relate to. Narration is a tricky technique to often use in movies. As Sharon Maguire’s “Bridget Jones’s Diary” suggested, narration elevates romantic comedies about love diaries. Nevertheless, it works immensely in this movie. Through a bold screenplay, Sharrock captures women facing a price to pay.
One appreciates amazing performances.
Gemma Jones delivers one of her best career performances as Victoria Swan. Jones earned appreciation for playing aristocratic women in Jane Austen adaptations. With “Wicked Little Letters”, however, she took on her most tricky role. It isn’t easy to portray a woman that is a victim of murder mystery but she succeeded immensely. This is the actress unlike you have ever seen her before: intense, charismatic and emotional in her most memorable role. With riveting expressions, Jones captures the angst, desperation and determination of a mourning woman facing tension. It’s a bold performance from one of the best actresses working in the industry today.
While the movie is mainly a stunning showcase for Jones, the supporting cast is also excellent and worthy of appreciation. Olivia Colman is captivating, capturing compassion of a woman that becomes victim in a murder investigation. Jessie Buckley is brilliant, capturing bravery of a woman seeking to prove her innocence in a wrongful accusation. Lastly, Timothy Spall is worthy of appreciation. As an aristocrat, he brings authority to the movie.
Fans of Gemma Jones will definitely enjoy “Wicked Letter Letters” and so will movie-goers seeking old-fashioned entertainment. An engaging period drama, it honours an iconic actress with charisma.
A wonderful depiction of conflicted women that received letters that are wicked, it’s a captivating reminder of a commemorated actress that has earned a huge fan following for her abilities to portray complex characters in memorable movies that definitely without a single doubt deserve to be unquestionably appreciated.
5/5 stars
The Film Buff 