Netflix’s latest No 1 movie is a gripping mystery based on shocking true story

The film opens with the title card: 'This is more true than you'd think.'

Released in cinemas in the country just last February, the movie opens with a title card stating: "This is more true than you'd think."

The film then follows an Irish immigrant named Rose Gooding (Oscar-nominee Jessie Buckley, The Lost Daughter), and her former friend and neighbour, Edith Swan (Oscar-winner Olivia Colman, The Favourite) in 1920s Littlehampton in England, after Edith accuses Rose of sending her countless disparaging, obscenity-filled letters.

"Rose denies penning the messages — she’s already so outspoken in real life, what would be the point? — while uptight Edith insists Rose is guilty," the plot synopsis states.

"The scandal ignites chaos throughout their small town when Rose is put on trial, leading Edith’s nosy friends — and the town’s only woman police officer, Gladys (Anjana Vasan, Black Mirror) — to investigate who the real culprit is."

Written by comedian Jonny Sweet (Chickens), Wicked Little Letters also features amongst its cast the likes of Alisha Weir (Abigail), Hugh Skinner (Fleabag), Joanna Scanlan (The Thick of It), Lolly Adefope (Saltburn), Malachi Kirby (Small Axe) and Timothy Spall (Harry Potter).

And its well-worth seeking out thanks to its very funny and sweary script, its two phenomenal central performances and the way it sheds light on this strange true tale.

You can read more about the real-life basis for the movie at the UK Government's National Archives right here.

Holding an 80% critics score and a 92% audience score on Rotten Tomatoes, here is a sample of some of the glowing reviews Wicked Little Letters received upon release:

FilmWeek: "A very funny little British comedy that I cannot believe was inspired by a true story."

The New York Times: "The movie is full of goofy side characters and one-liners, yet elevated occasionally to genuine complexity by Colman and Buckley, who are consistently the best thing about any movie they’re in."

Orlando Sentinel: "A vulgar hoot."

San Jose Mercury News: "The matchup of Jessie Buckley and Olivia Colman produce hilarious, go-for-broke acting fireworks in [director] Thea Sharrock’s irresistible charmer set in a 1920s English village."

Wicked Little Letters is streaming on Netflix now.

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