True story behind ‘vulgar’ Netflix film with ‘full-frontal language’ starring Olivia Coleman
The new black-comedy meets mystery film is based on a real-life scandal from the 1920s
If you've had the chance to take a break from all the Olympics content, you'll probably know all about the ‘vulgar’ new Netflix film with ‘full-frontal language’ starring a whole bunch of A-listers.
The black-comedy, which landed on Netflix late last month after being originally released by StudioCanal and Film4, follows a town's investigation into the workings of an anonymous author who has sent many incredibly profane letters sent to the residents of Littlehampton - sometimes rude, sometimes offensive.
It stars the likes of Olivia Coleman, Jessie Buckley, Lolly Adefope and Timothy Spall - just to name a few.
Advert
It's clear that people are loving the film, Wicked Little Letters, which is set in the 1920s in the peal of the of Britain's suffragette movement, with many rushing to social media to share their praise.
One X user chirped: "Watching Wicked Little Letters on Netflix and it is EXCELLENT! I've snort-laughed a lot.
"But it's also just different to anything else I've seen recently. Plus, Olivia Colman is amazing at everything she turns her hand to."
A second gushed: "Wicked Little Letters is one of the most entertaining English period films made in years. A vulgar & hilarious whodunnit scandal stirred by female repression & false superiority. Olivia Colman & Jesse Buckley are a delightful foul-mouthed pairing backed by a highly enjoyable cast."
And a third added: "If you’re interested in the power of full-frontal language, this film is for you."
Well, the flick in question is actually based on a pretty intense real-life hate mail scandal, which is also known as the 'Littlehampton letters'.
It was far from a laughing matter as the scandal involved four court cases and three prison sentences over almost three years.
It all started when Mrs Rose Gooding (played by Buckley) was summoned to the Littlehampton County Bench, a seaside town in West Sussex, for criminally libelling her neighbour, Edith Emily Swan (Colman).
The pair, who were neighbours, became embroiled in the drama when Edith accused Rose of sending obscene letters - such accusations eventually landed Rose in prison, being sentenced to two weeks after already spending two months inside.
After a whole bunch of back and fourth, Rose was found guilty once again and sentenced her to 12 months in prison with hard labor.
But was she really guilty?
Well, while Rose was still in prison, her letters mysteriously kept circulating - despite the fact the prison checked every letter she sent - which made Edith look increasingly suspicious to the police following her staunch accusations.
This, in turn, prompted the Court of Criminal Appeal to ultimately overturn Rose’s conviction and she was also awarded £250 in compensation.
Wicked Little Letters is available to stream on Netflix now.
Topics: Netflix, TV And Film, Tyla Recommends, Real Life
Rhiannon Ingle