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‘Wicked Little Letters’ Review: Olivia Colman and Jessie Buckley Play Sworn Enemies in Saucy Libel-Case Satire
A hundred years ago, before email and social media found ways to slap us in the face with unsolicited obscenity on a daily basis, the quiet English town of Littlehampton was scandalized by an outburst of poison pen letters — a nasty case of epistolary terrorism that today might be lumped under the heading of “trolling.” Someone with lovely penmanship and a very salty vocabulary dashed off dozens (if not hundreds) of blisteringly offensive notes to members of the seaside community, igniting a police investigation and a series of trials breathlessly covered by the local press, then largely forgotten for almost a century.
A bawdy black comedy that isn’t nearly as “outrageous” as it would have you believe, “Wicked Little Letters” offers a tongue-in-cheek retelling of those events for the Merchant Ivory set. Titillating profanity aside, it’s a relatively tame critique of 1920s gender dynamics, focusing on the two women at the center of the affair — a sour-puss spinster named Edith Swan, who received the bulk of the harassment, and her disruptive Irish neighbor, Rose Gooding, whom she accused of sending the raunchy missives — as well as the female detective responsible for untangling the mystery.
It doesn’t take much of a detective to realize that adds up to something fairly rare: a period film with three substantial leading roles for women, set (in the words of the local priest) at “a time when morality is threatened and women everywhere are losing their decorum.” Small wonder, then, that director Thea Sharrock attracted such a strong cast.
Edith is played by Olivia Colman with an exaggerated piousness that tips toward cartoonish, while the part of force-of-nature Rose proves perfectly suited to “Wild Rose” star Jessie Buckley. As a single mom with a Black boyfriend (Malachi Kirby) who drinks and swears and makes love at all hours, Rose challenges the puritanical patriarchy to which her neighbors kowtow (in one scene, her “furious jumping” nearly dislodges the crucifix hanging from long-suffering Edith’s wall). The two characters could hardly be more different, and yet we’re told they were once best friends.
Edith lives at home with an insufferably strict father (Timothy Spall), who spouts off about women’s suffrage and other perceived threats to his authority, while Rose doesn’t hesitate to tell people what she thinks of them. For a time, Edith found a kind of vicarious satisfaction in Rose’s liberated attitude. But now that Edith imagines herself on the receiving end of Rose’s insults, she can abide it no longer. “She’s heinous,” Edith complains a bit too enthusiastically to the police, “and she’s what we feared would come after the war.” For their part, the authorities show an alarming lack of curiosity when presented with what seems like an open-and-shut case.
Only Gladys Moss (“We Are Lady Parts” vet Anjana Vasan) suspects otherwise, representing the weaker leg of the central trio. As Sussex’s first “woman police officer,” she’s confronted by sexism and racism every day on the job: Her male colleagues use the word “woman” the way they might “canine,” for example — as though astonished the opposite sex can be of any help in a professional setting — interrupting their locker-room banter to put Gladys in her place whenever possible. It’s an insufferable work dynamic, which Sharrock and screenwriter Jonny Sweet are none too subtle about calling out.
The movie feels very of-the-moment (almost frustratingly so) in its critique of religious hypocrisy and backward gender dynamics, and yet, one longs for a little more nuance in the clownish way these bigots and blowhards are depicted. In truth, the so-called “Littlehampton libels” built to a twist, which a decent contingent of the audience will surely see coming. The English courts of that time might not have taken handwriting analysis seriously, but the evidence is clear as day to our eyes. Plus, the culprit is hiding in plain sight.
Meanwhile, Edith seems to relish all the attention the indignity brings as the case drags on, collecting the newspaper articles written about the shame she’s suffered. (As her mother, Gemma Jones scolds Edith, lest she grow too prideful.) Who knew that enduring such abuse could turn this dowdy old maid into an unlikely local celebrity? Contained in the conflict between these two women is a deeper commentary about the media and how the public relishes a good scandal, rushing to judge with only a fraction of the facts. In Sharrock’s hands, “Wicked Little Letters” is an entertaining account of what feels like a primitive form of today’s online flame wars, where people take sides as commenters openly disparage one another.
Ironically, however hurtful Edith and others found these personal attacks to be, they merely compounded the humiliation by going public with what had been written about them. Good that they did — for our sake, at least — as it’s a hoot to hear Armando Iannucci-caliber insults being lobbed in this conservative 1920s milieu. Amid all that bullying, it is free-spirited Rose who shows what dignity looks like, rising above the slander.
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Analysts warn global famine fears are rising as food prices climb and fragile supply chains are strained during the Strait of Hormuz crisis, raising the risk of a prolonged, Suez-scale, eight-year disruption.
As the conflict entered Day 62, the U.S. maintained its naval blockade of traffic entering and exiting Iranian ports, while Iran continued to effectively close the Strait.
“Best case, there is an agreement between the U.S. and Iran within the next few weeks, and the Strait reopens,” Lars Jensen, CEO and partner at Vespucci Maritime, told Fox News Digital.
“And it has to be a deal where there is trust that Iran is sufficiently satisfied with the deal such that they do not suddenly close the strait again.
AIRLINES MAY CUT FLIGHT SCHEDULES AS IRAN TENSIONS DRIVE UP FUEL COSTS, EXPERTS WARN
A cargo ship sails in the Persian Gulf toward the Strait of Hormuz April 22, 2026. (AP Photo)
“Even in that case, it will still take months for the supply chains to revert back to normality.”
President Donald Trump announced April 21 he would delay renewed strikes on Iran until it presents a proposal for long-term peace, effectively extending a 14-day ceasefire indefinitely.
Trump said Washington’s blockade of Iranian ports has been effective, urging Tehran to “just give up” as tensions escalate over the waterway.
“Worst case, we can look at the eight-year closure of the Suez Canal from 1967 to 1975,” Jensen said.
ISRAELI OFFICIALS REPORTEDLY WARN IRAN’S BALLISTIC MISSILES COULD TRIGGER SOLO MILITARY ACTION AGAINST TEHRAN
The SKS Doyles crude oil tanker moves along the Suez Canal towards Ismailia in Suez, Egypt, on Dec. 21, 2023, amid a sharp decline in tanker traffic through the Red Sea due to attacks disrupting global trade routes. (Stringer/Bloomberg)
“Despite its importance to the global economy, it proved impossible to reopen the canal for those eight years,” he said.
The Suez Canal, shut from 1967 to 1975 after the Arab-Israeli conflict, has faced recurring disruption, including Red Sea attacks since 2023, driving up insurance costs, creating a “shadow blockade” and curbing traffic.
For Hormuz, Jensen says fertilizer, which is central to agricultural production, is the most critical factor, and any sustained disruption could quickly ripple through global food systems.
“Fertilizer is the most important element. Thirty percent of the world’s seaborne fertilizer comes from the Persian Gulf,” Jensen said. “Fertilizer prices are already rising fast,” he warned.
IRAN FIRES LIVE MISSILES INTO STRAIT OF HORMUZ AS TRUMP ENVOYS ARRIVE FOR NUCLEAR TALKS
A ship is seen passing through the Strait of Hormuz during a two-week temporary ceasefire between the United States and Iran on April 8, 2026. (Shady Alassar/Anadolu/Getty Images)
“In wealthy countries, it means more expensive food come harvest season, and, in poor countries, it means that farmers right now cannot afford fertilizer,” Jensen added.
“This will lead to the harvest being lower later in the season, leading to rapid increases in food prices in very poor countries. And such a situation increases the risk of famine and conflict.”
Diplomatic efforts remained fragile between the U.S. and Iran as of Thursday, with limited signs of progress.
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According to reports, a giant banner hangs on a building in Tehran’s central Enqelab Square declaring, “The Strait of Hormuz will remain closed; the entire Persian Gulf is our hunting ground.”
“Cargo vessels are not going through for the simple reason that commercial companies do not want to see their seafarers potentially killed,” Jensen added.
Price of petrol in US jumps by nearly 30 cents in one week amid Strait of Hormuz blockade and Iran diplomatic deadlock.
The average price of one gallon (3.8 litres) of gasoline in the United States has reached $4.30, according to the American Automobile Association (AAA), up from less than $3 before the February 28 start of the US-Israel war on Iran.
Thursday’s prices come as US President Donald Trump insists that time is on his side in the standoff with Iran, even as he refuses Tehran’s offers of a preliminary deal to reopen the Strait of Hormuz.
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According to AAA, prices for gas or petrol went up by 27 cents over the past week amid the deepening impasse, with Iran blocking the strait and the US imposing a naval siege on Iranian ports.
“The national average is $1.12 higher than it was this time last year, as oil prices surge above $100/barrel with no indication of when the Strait of Hormuz will reopen,” AAA said in a brief report on Thursday.
“Gas prices are the highest they’ve been in four years, since late July 2022.”
California, home to nearly 40 million people, saw petrol prices hit more than $6 per gallon on Thursday.
The spike in energy prices has been fuelling inflation and economic uncertainty, adding to Trump’s political woes.
The US president’s approval rating is hitting record lows amid growing discontent with the conflict with Iran, recent public opinion polls show.
Since the start of the war, Trump and his allies have been trying to frame the hike in petrol prices as a temporary price worth paying to achieve the aims of the military campaign.
The US president reiterated that argument on Thursday when asked about the latest price increase.
“And you know what? And we’re not going to have a nuclear weapon in the hands of Iran,” the US president told reporters.
“The gas will go down. As soon as the war is over, it’ll drop like a rock.”
However, oil prices do not drop automatically after hostilities stop. Despite the ceasefire reached on April 8, the cost of gas in the US has continued to climb.
Iran denies seeking a nuclear weapon.
Although the US is one of the largest oil producers and is not heavily reliant on energy products from the Middle East, global prices affect what Americans pay at the pump.
On Thursday, Trump stressed that Iran is all but vanquished militarily and economically – a claim he has been repeating since the early days of the conflict.
“Iran is dying to make a deal,” he said, calling the naval blockade against the country “incredible”.
Tehran has projected defiance, refusing to hold direct talks with the US until the siege is lifted, even after Trump announced last week that he was dispatching his top envoys to Pakistan to negotiate with Iranian officials.
Earlier on Thursday, Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian suggested that Iran is running out of patience with the current situation of no war and no peace amid the US siege.
“The world has witnessed Iran’s tolerance and conciliation. What is being done under the guise of a naval blockade is an extension of military operations against a nation paying the price for its resistance and independence,” Pezeshkian said in a social media post.
“Continuation of this oppressive approach is intolerable.”
Olivia Rodrigo has announced dates for “The Unraveled Tour,” a huge 65-date run across North America, Europe, and the UK. The tour supports her third studio album, “You Seem Pretty Sad for a Girl So in Love,” out June 12, 2026 via Geffen Records.
Promoted by Live Nation, the global tour kicks off Friday, September 25 in Hartford, CT at PeoplesBank Arena and features multi-night plays in cities around the world including Washington, DC, Chicago, Atlanta, Nashville, Vancouver, Oakland, Las Vegas, Stockholm, Paris, Milan, and more.
Opening acts include Devon Again, Die Spitz, Grace Ives, The Last Dinner Party, and Wolf Alice will join Olivia on select dates. Full dates appear below.
Rodrigo is set to appear on “The Tonight Show With Jimmy Fallon” tonight (April 30), and will make her hosting debut with double duty on “Saturday Night Live” this weekend on May 2.
American Express is partnering with Olivia Rodrigo for the tour. Eligible American Express Card Members will have access to Amex Presale Tickets for the North America, Europe and UK dates starting Tuesday, May 5 at 12pm local time through Wednesday, May 6 at 10pm local time, while supplies last. Presale dates and times vary by show.
NORTH AMERICA TICKETS: The general onsale will begin Thursday, May 7 at 12pm local time.
EUROPE TICKETS: For Europe dates, fans can also register for presale access by pre-ordering the new album by signing up — no purchase necessary. Those already preordered will automatically receive a code. The general onsale begins Thursday, May 7 at 12pm local time.
UK TICKETS: For UK dates, tickets will first be available via an O2 presale beginning Tuesday, May 5 at 10am local time. Fans can also register for presale access by pre-ordering the new album or by signing up — no purchase necessary. Those who already preordered will automatically receive a code. The general onsale begins Thursday, May 7 at 12pm local time.
VIP: The Unraveled Tour will also offer VIP packages and experiences.
SILVER STAR TICKETS: Olivia Rodrigo will once again offer Silver Star Tickets on her upcoming tour, with a limited number of $20 USD tickets (or local currency equivalent, plus taxes where applicable) available at a later date. Originally introduced during the “Guts” world tour, the program is designed to make attending shows more accessible and affordable for fans. Tickets must be purchased in pairs, with a maximum of two per order. Seats will be assigned together, with locations revealed on the day of show at venue box office pickup. Ticket locations may include limited view, lower and upper levels, as well as floor seating.
OLIVIA RODRIGO’S FUND 4 GOOD: Fund 4 Good is a global initiative that supports community-based nonprofits to build an equitable and just future for all women and girls. Past donations supported organizations championing girls’ education, reproductive rights, and the prevention of gender-based violence. A portion of Olivia’s proceeds from ticket sales will benefit the fund.
THE UNRAVELED TOUR 2026/2027 DATES:
Fri, Sep 25—Hartford, CT—PeoplesBank Arena+
Sat, Sep 26—Hartford, CT—PeoplesBank Arena+
Tue, Sep 29—Pittsburgh, PA—PPG Paints Arena+
Wed, Sep 30—Pittsburgh, PA—PPG Paints Arena+
Sat, Oct 3—Washington, DC—Capital One Arena+
Sun, Oct 4—Washington, DC—Capital One Arena+
Wed, Oct 7—Charlotte, NC—Spectrum Center+
Thu, Oct 8—Charlotte, NC—Spectrum Center+
Sun, Oct 11—Chicago, IL—United Center+
Mon, Oct 12—Chicago, IL—United Center+
Thu, Oct 15—Boston, MA—TD Garden+
Sat, Oct 17—Boston, MA—TD Garden+
Wed, Oct 21—Montreal, QC—Bell Centre+
Thu, Oct 22—Montreal, QC—Bell Centre+
Mon, Oct 26—Toronto, ON—Scotiabank Arena+
Tue, Oct 27—Toronto, ON—Scotiabank Arena+
Thu, Oct 29—Columbus, OH—Schottenstein Center+
Fri, Oct 30—Columbus, OH—Schottenstein Center+
Sat, Nov 7—Philadelphia, PA—Xfinity Mobile Arena^
Sun, Nov 8—Philadelphia, PA—Xfinity Mobile Arena^
Wed, Nov 11—Atlanta, GA—State Farm Arena^
Thu, Nov 12—Atlanta, GA—State Farm Arena^
Sun, Nov 15—Orlando, FL—Kia Center^
Mon, Nov 16—Orlando, FL—Kia Center^
Thu, Nov 19—Sunrise, FL—Amerant Bank Arena^
Fri, Nov 20—Sunrise, FL—Amerant Bank Arena^
Mon, Nov 23—Nashville, TN—Bridgestone Arena^
Tue, Nov 24—Nashville, TN—Bridgestone Arena^
Tue, Dec 1—Vancouver, BC—Rogers Arena^
Wed, Dec 2—Vancouver, BC—Rogers Arena^
Mon, Dec 7—Seattle, WA—Climate Pledge Arena^
Tue, Dec 8—Seattle, WA—Climate Pledge Arena^
Fri, Dec 11—Oakland, CA—Oakland Arena^
Sat, Dec 12—Oakland, CA—Oakland Arena^
Tue, Dec 15—Sacramento, CA—Golden 1 Center^
Wed, Dec 16—Sacramento, CA—Golden 1 Center^
Sat, Dec 19—Las Vegas, NV—T-Mobile Arena^
Sun, Dec 20—Las Vegas, NV—T-Mobile Arena^
Tue, Jan 12—Los Angeles, CA—Intuit Dome#^
Wed, Jan 13—Los Angeles, CA—Intuit Dome#^
Sat, Jan 16—Los Angeles, CA—Intuit Dome#^
Sun, Jan 17—Los Angeles, CA—Intuit Dome#^
Thu, Feb 11—Brooklyn, NY—Barclays Center#^
Fri, Feb 12—Brooklyn, NY—Barclays Center#^
Mon, Feb 15—Brooklyn, NY—Barclays Center#^
Tue, Feb 16—Brooklyn, NY—Barclays Center#^
Fri Mar 19—Stockholm, Sweden—Avicii Arena~
Sat Mar 20—Stockholm, Sweden—Avicii Arena~
Tue Mar 23—Amsterdam, Netherlands—Ziggo Dome~
Wed Mar 24—Amsterdam, Netherlands—Ziggo Dome~
Thu Apr 1—Munich, Germany—Olympiahalle~
Fri Apr 2—Munich, Germany—Olympiahalle~
Mon Apr 5—London, UK—The O2~
Tue Apr 6—London, UK—The O2~
Thu Apr 8—London, UK—The O2~
Fri Apr 9—London, UK—The O2~
Fri Apr 23—Paris, France—La Defense Arena=
Tue Apr 27—Milan, Italy—Unipol Dome=
Wed Apr 28—Milan, Italy—Unipol Dome=
Sat May 1—Barcelona, Spain—Palau Sant Jordi=
Sun May 2—Barcelona, Spain—Palau Sant Jordi=
Support:
+ Wolf Alice
^ Devon Again
# The Last Dinner Party
~ Grace Ives
= Die Spitz
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