Wicked Little Letters

In 1920, in Littlehampton, Edith Swan starts receiving a barrage of hate mail that devastates her sense of safety. The crude language of the 19 letters creates tension in her home, affecting her oppressive father and gentle mother.

With the situation escalating, Edith's father, Edward, seeks help from local authorities due to the severity of the hate mail. The police begin to investigate, and they pinpoint Rose Gooding as a suspected instigator, known for her colorful language.

The relationship between Edith and Rose is strained after a birthday celebration incident where accusations arise. Their bond deteriorates further when allegations surface of Rose tipping off child protective services regarding Edith.

Following mounting tensions and accusations, Rose is unjustly arrested. Due to her inability to post bail, she faces the prospect of leaving her daughter, Nancy, in the care of her partner Bill, complicating her situation further.

In a bid to gather support, Rose reaches out to Edith's friends, Ann, Mabel, and Kate. While Ann and Mabel express their compassion, Kate's hostility leaves Rose feeling increasingly isolated during an already tumultuous time.

Officer Gladys Moss encounters obstacles from her superior, who downplays her concerns about Rose's innocence. Driven by a desire to seek the truth, Gladys decides to take charge of her own investigation amidst systemic discrimination.

Amid the chaos, Edith grapples with latent resentment towards her father. As she crafts a letter that unbeknownst to her holds vital clues to the ongoing investigation, a pivotal interception leads to unforeseen repercussions.

With police formalities wrapped up, Gladys begins linking the handwriting on the hate mail to Edith. Despite her findings being dismissed by her superior, she enlists the help of Edith’s friends to advance her investigation secretly.

As the trial date draws near, Edith becomes increasingly clever in her attempts to stay under Gladys's radar. She posts another letter that could sway the court's opinion, indicating the high stakes of their escalating confrontation.

During the climactic trial, Rose acknowledges her past and the vocal frustrations that fueled her complaints. Revelations about Nancy’s lineage come to light, shocking both Rose's family and the community.

In a strategic move, Gladys and her friends create a plan to capture Edith using stamps with invisible ink. This clever tactic aims to catch Edith in her ongoing attempts to frame Rose, turning the investigation into a riveting game of cat and mouse.

As tensions escalate, Rose confronts Edith, leading to a heated exchange that brings their underlying resentment to the surface. This confrontation is pivotal as it highlights the intertwining fates of both women amid their societal struggles.

In a surprising twist, Edith's letter meant for self-vindication is intercepted by Gladys's niece. The discovery of the hidden ink seals Edith's fate, illuminating her manipulation while freeing Rose from the burden of wrongful blame.

Following the trial, Edith is sentenced to twelve months of hard labor while Rose is liberated, marking a bittersweet resolution. As Gladys earns recognition for her efforts, the story closes with a moment of reluctant understanding between the two women.