Wicked Little Letters Cast – Full Cast List and True Story

The 2023 British period black-comedy Wicked Little Letters brings together an award-winning cast to tell one of the most bizarre true-crime stories of the 1920s. Directed by Thea Sharrock and written by Jonny Sweet, the film follows a seaside town thrown into chaos by a series of obscene anonymous letters. At its centre stand two women whose real-life feud became a national sensation.

The film stars Olivia Colman and Jessie Buckley as the women at the heart of the Littlehampton libels scandal. With a supporting roster that includes Timothy Spall, Gemma Jones, and Anjana Vasan, the production has drawn attention for both its historical roots and its sharp, comedic tone. Wicked Little Letters premiered at the 2023 Toronto International Film Festival before its theatrical release in the UK on 23 February 2024.

What makes this story particularly compelling is the distance between the film’s darkly humorous presentation and the real injustice that took place. Rose Gooding, an outspoken woman with a reputation for colourful language, was wrongfully prosecuted while the true perpetrator remained hidden for years. The cast brings depth to characters whose real counterparts experienced prejudice, misogyny, and a flawed legal system.

Is Wicked Little Letters a True Story?

• Wicked Little Letters is a dark comedy based on a real 1920s scandal where foul anonymous letters terrorised a Sussex town.
• Olivia Colman and Jessie Buckley deliver critically acclaimed performances as the two women at the centre of the scandal.
• The film is directed by Thea Sharrock and written by Jonny Sweet, premiered at the 2023 Toronto International Film Festival.
• Despite its comedic tone, the film highlights themes of misogyny, class prejudice, and the power of women’s solidarity.

Who Stars in Wicked Little Letters? Complete Cast Guide

Olivia Colman as Edith Swan

Olivia Colman plays Edith Swan, the woman at the centre of the letter-writing scandal. In the film, Edith is a seemingly pious resident of Littlehampton who begins receiving vicious anonymous letters. Colman, known for The Favourite and Broadchurch, brings nuance to a character whose real counterpart was eventually revealed as the author of the letters she claimed to receive.

Jessie Buckley as Rose Gooding

Jessie Buckley portrays Rose Gooding, Edith’s neighbour and the woman wrongfully accused of sending the letters. Buckley, an Oscar nominee for The Lost Daughter, captures the defiance and vulnerability of a woman whose reputation as outspoken and foul-mouthed made her an easy target. The real Rose Gooding was from Lewes, though the film portrays her as Irish.

Anjana Vasan as Police Officer Gladys Moss

Anjana Vasan plays WPC Gladys Moss, the police officer who suspects the truth and works to exonerate Rose. The character is based on a real policewoman involved in the case. Vasan, known for We Are Lady Parts, adds a determined presence to the investigation.

For readers interested in other film ensembles, see the Cast of the Substance – Full List of Actors and Characters.

Where to Watch Wicked Little Letters? Release Date & Streaming

When was the film released?

Wicked Little Letters was released theatrically in the UK on 23 February 2024. It premiered earlier at the Toronto International Film Festival in September 2023. The film is not a Netflix original, and its availability on streaming platforms depends on regional licensing agreements.

Is it on Netflix?

As of the latest available information, the film is available on Netflix in some regions, but this can change. The best way to confirm current availability is to search directly on Netflix or consult local streaming guides such as Odeon’s release page.

What is the age rating?

In the UK the film is rated 15 for strong language, sexual references, and brief violence. In the US the rating is R for language and sexual content. The runtime is 100 minutes.

Where Was Wicked Little Letters Filmed? Filming Locations & Details

Did they film in Littlehampton?

While the story is set in Littlehampton, Sussex, the actual filming took place in Kent and Surrey, UK, in 2022. The production recreated the seaside atmosphere of the 1920s using locations in the South East of England. A historical account of the real events can be found in a BBC article on the Littlehampton libels.

Who directed and wrote the film?

Thea Sharrock directed the film from a script by Jonny Sweet. The score was composed by Isobel Waller-Bridge, known for Fleabag and The Phantom of the Open. More production credits are listed on IMDb.

How Did the Real Littlehampton Libels Case Unfold?

1. 1920s – Actual anonymous letter scandal in Littlehampton, Sussex, begins when residents receive obscene letters.
2. 1920s – Edith Swan accuses her neighbour Rose Gooding of sending the letters; Rose is charged and prosecuted.
3. 1920s – Scotland Yard arranges a sting operation after investigators suspect something is wrong.
4. 1920s – Evidence proves Rose Gooding was not the sender; Edith Swan had been writing the letters to herself and framing Rose.
5. 1920s – Edith Swan is convicted and sentenced to 12 months’ imprisonment.
6. 2021 – Film project announced; Jonny Sweet writes the script.
7. 2022 – Filming takes place in Kent and Surrey, UK.
8. September 2023 – Premiere at Toronto International Film Festival.
9. 23 February 2024 – Theatrical release in the UK.
10. 2024 (expected) – Digital and streaming release (including Netflix in some regions).

What Is Fact and What Is Fiction in Wicked Little Letters?

What Is the Historical Context of the Littlehampton Libels?

Set in 1920s Littlehampton, the case exposed deep-seated misogyny and class tensions in a small English town. The real Rose Gooding was wrongly accused and imprisoned for a year before the truth emerged. The scandal attracted national attention and highlighted how a woman’s reputation could be used against her in court. The cast brings together award-winning British actors, enhancing the film’s authenticity and appeal. Wicked Little Letters joins a tradition of British true-crime comedies such as The Ladykillers and The Death of Stalin.

What Do Critics Say About Wicked Little Letters?

“A lighthearted take on an old true crime story”

Rotten Tomatoes critics’ consensus (source)

“Olivia Colman and Jessie Buckley are dynamic opponents”

Rotten Tomatoes editorial

Full cast list including Timothy Spall as Edward Swan, Gemma Jones as Victoria Swan, and Anjana Vasan as WPC Gladys Moss

Wikipedia

Directed by Thea Sharrock, written by Jonny Sweet

IMDb

Final Thoughts on Wicked Little Letters

Wicked Little Letters offers a compelling blend of historical scandal and dark comedy, anchored by strong performances from Olivia Colman and Jessie Buckley. While the film takes creative liberties with the true story, it succeeds in drawing attention to a real injustice from the 1920s. For those who enjoy exploring cast ensembles, the We Were Liars Cast – Every Actor and Character Revealed provides another detailed look at a literary adaptation.

Frequently Asked Questions