A strong cast of some of England’s finest comedy actors support this entertaining black comedy inspired by real life events which occurred in Littlehampton, Sussex in the 1920s. It opens with the statement that the film is “more true than you think”.
The 19th anonymous letter full of unintentionally hilarious profanities addressed to Edith Swan (Olivia Coleman) is opened at the family dinner table. She reads the letter to her parents – Edward, her overbearing and controlling father (Timothy Spall) and very quiet mother (Gemma Jones),who are outraged.
Edith is a pious spinster living with her elderly parents. They live next door to Rose (Jessie Buckley), a foul-mouthed Irish immigrant mother of one, who is fond of a drink, and who is “sexually liberated”.
Rose is charged by the local police, the only evidence that she had sent the letters being that she seemed uncouth enough to have written them. She says “why would she send a letter when I could just say it”.
But police officer Gladys (Anjana Vasan) suspects that Rose is being framed. With the help of some of the town’s women (played by Lolly Adefope, Eileen Atkins and Joanna Scalan) she investigates the crime.
Meantime Edith loves being the centre of attention – and the anonymous letters bring a national uproar, and then a trial.
Directed by Thea Sharrock and written by comedian Jonny Sweet, with cinematographer Ben Davis, the film has had mixed reviews from critics and audiences – from one to five stars (most of the audience gave it five)!
The over-the top performances and perfect casting will make most of the audience smile, laugh, and giggle their way through the film.
104 minutes.
Showing at Luna Leederville, Luna SX and Windsor theatre Nedlands from Thursday March 21st.
Watch the trailer…
Saw the trailer last week at Luna On SX in Freo. Looks confusingly funny. BC.