A spate of poison pen letters in the seaside town of Littlehampton in the 1920s that became a story of national interest forms the basis of this interesting British comedy-drama. Pitching the pious Edith (Olivia Colman) against her livelier neighbour and former friend Rose (Jessie Buckley) - the former accusing the latter of sending the letters - the film is much more than a tale of outrageously sweary letters but about the status, role and position of women both in society and the family at that time, which the film explores to a good degree. Whilst there are many very funny moments, the more dramatic elements of the film are to the fore and the through story is delivered extremely effectively, even if the writing can occasionally sound a little flat. Olivia Colman is - as ever - superb in her level of control and depth of response she brings to her character, Jessie Buckley is again great as her feisty counterpoint, Timothy Spall is strong as Edith's overbearing father and a host of recognisable British character actors (including Joanna Scanlan, Hugh Skinner, Jason Watkins and more) give solid support. It is a very enjoyable and well-delivered film where all the elements come together well, perhaps gentler and more considered than the marketing's focus on the more salacious aspects suggested.
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