Netflix viewers can’t believe ‘vulgar’ film with ‘full-frontal language’ is actually based on a true story

Netflix viewers have been left gobsmacked following the release of a scandalous film starring The Crown's Olivia Colman.

The black-comedy meets mystery film, originally released by StudioCanal and Film4, is based on a true scandal, which has captivated viewers.

The film chronicles a town's haphazard 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.

Olivia Colman and Jessie Buckley star. (StudioCanal)

The film is called Wicked Little Letters.

Alongside Colman, it stars Jessie Buckley, Lolly Adefope and Timothy Spall.

The plot begins in 1920, in the thick of Britain's suffragette movement.

Edith Swan (Colman) an unmarried, religious woman, starts to receive letters which include a lot of foul language, including the sentence: "The cakes you make look like they’ve fallen out of some f***ing sheep’s f***ing arsehole."

Her father, Edward (Spall), becomes increasingly distressed as the number of letters received reaches 19.

He then asks local officials for help, which spurs on a witch-hunt.

Critics and viewers have piled on the praise. (StudioCanal)

Initially, their neighbour, Rose Gooding (Buckley), is suspected, due to her being a single parent, having a penchant for swearing and for being an Irish immigrant.

The film has been well reviewed, holding a very impressive audience score of 92% on Rotten Tomatoes, as well as an 80% critics score.

Journalist Clarisse Loughrey noted for the Independent: "These are larger-than-life performances but knowingly so, delivered with a slapstick sensibility that sees Buckley streak naked across the village, aim darts at a man’s head, and take a shovel to the face."

She went on to add: "Wicked Little Letters nods to the post-war shifts in women’s societal roles – not only in its use of foul language, of course, but in the way a single mother like Rose lives openly and unmarried with another man."

But it's not just critics who have loved the title - viewers have also taken to social media to pile on the praise.

One person posted on X: "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 Coleman is amazing at everything she turns her hand to."

Another said: "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."

Susie Dent added: "If you’re interested in the power of full-frontal language, this film is for you."