Mean Notes (2023) Movie Review

To say today that people willingly write offensive and vulgar comments on the Internet is to state the obvious: the sun rises in the east. However, there was a time – and very recently – when rudeness in social interactions was avoided for fear of ostracism… or even punishment.

“Medium Notes” takes us back to the not-so-distant past. These were the days when foul language and vulgar behavior were the hallmarks of primitive people, unfortunate souls whose only salvation was the fires of hell. A woman who indulged in too much could even be prosecuted for her indecent behavior. Then British law saw little difference between profanity, prostitution, and homosexuality.

In such normal circumstances, a small town community is shocked. A God-fearing woman begins to receive letters. Their content is shocking. The police intervene in the case. This one is suspicious. She is a neighbor known for her behavior and language inappropriate for a Christian woman, which would be the envy of the worst scum. An arrest is made. A trial is being prepared that could put the unfortunate woman behind bars. However, the woman pleads not guilty. Her only ally is a young policewoman who has to struggle with the community’s disbelief because who would see a woman in uniform? Meanwhile, the victim of the letters, a humble, God-fearing Christian, enjoys the reputation of a local martyr…

Although it is hard to believe, “Mean Notes” is inspired by real events that happened a hundred years ago. But director Thea Sharrock and screenwriter Johnny Sweet are not interested in reconstructing a long-forgotten investigation and trial. Their film aims, above all, to entertain. The contrast between old-fashioned morality and today’s sensitivity to online vulgarity is a constant source of humor. The creators skillfully confront the habits of viewers, for whom offensive posts are a daily occurrence on social media and website comment sections, with the characters’ outrage and shock and the extreme actions of the police.

The characters in the film are not mirror images of real people, but are constructed according to the old tradition of British sitcoms. These are expressive characters, seemingly one-dimensional, but hiding a surprising depth. This means that viewers will easily laugh at the hypocrites and chauvinists who might be outraged in a different narrative context.

Moreover, this structure allows the comic absurdity to mask a deeper and more surprisingly insightful study of individuals trapped in an oppressive system. The Mean Notes of the title have become a symbol of anarchist revolution, an expression of rebellion and helplessness in the face of religious subjugation and social acceptance of perceived inequality. However, the filmmakers do not make these deeper considerations the core of the film, which may disappoint some viewers. “Mean Notes” remains a comedy first and foremost, with interestingly written characters, funny dialogue, and top-notch acting. This last one is perhaps no surprise to anyone. After all, Olivia Colman, Jessie Buckley, and the rest of the cast are top-notch actors. If you go to the theater to see “Mean Notes” not expecting a feminist manifesto but a good, smart comedy, you certainly won’t be disappointed.