Anna Kendrick's newest role is inspired by a shocking true story. The Pitch Perfect actress not only stars but also makes her directorial debut in Netflix's Woman Of The Hour. The film tells the stranger-than-fiction story of an aspiring actress and a serial killer, whose lives intersect on an episode of The Dating Game, amid a years-long murder spree.
Kendrick plays Cheryl Bradshaw, a young woman aspiring to break into the acting scene in Los Angeles. She's struggling to make a name for herself, and with little success, things don't seem to be working out as she had hoped. Eventually, she is called to participate in a popular dating show. This particular episode, which aired in 1978, gained notoriety because one of the bachelors turned out to be Rodney Alcala (played by Daniel Zovatto), who, unbeknownst to everyone, was a serial killer already responsible for multiple murders at the time.
The producers, failing to conduct a background check and drawn to his looks and charm, allowed Rodney to appear on the show. While Cheryl survived her brief encounter with Rodney, many other women were not so fortunate. What makes this case particularly chilling is that numerous people attempted to warn authorities about his dangerous behaviour, but their warnings were largely ignored, allowing his killing spree to continue.
Woman Of The Hour balances its narrative between the serial killer Rodney and Cheryl, shifting focus between the two. While it's framed as a true-crime story, viewers might be surprised to find The Dating Game as a central focus. Though this moment is important, there is a far more compelling and unsettling storyline that plays out, which ultimately leaves a greater impact. I particularly appreciated the film's tone -- Kendrick captures the grimy, unsettling atmosphere of Los Angeles, even in scenes where Rodney is not present.
This is Kendrick's first time behind the camera, and she impresses both as a director and an actress. Over the years, we've seen her excel in both quirky comedies and serious dramas, and she's able to blend these two dynamics in her portrayal of Cheryl. Despite being a victim, Cheryl retains some of Kendrick's trademark sarcasm, which adds layers to the character. Her performance is strong and effectively underscores the misogyny of the era, with Cheryl presented as a struggling artist trying to make it in an industry that values profit over talent.
Daniel Zovatto delivers a chilling portrayal of Rodney Alcala, capturing the duality of the charming, charismatic photographer and the cold, deadpan demeanour of a serial killer. His performance is genuinely terrifying, reminiscent of the unnerving hitman Anton Chigurh from No Country For Old Men (2007). The way Zovatto switches between these personas is haunting, making Rodney a figure of disturbing unpredictability.
The pacing of the film is deliberate and intense, jumping back and forth between different time frames and victims. At first, I found this structure a bit disorienting, but as the narrative progressed, it began to make sense, weaving the story together in a way that paid off by the end. Throughout the film, we're shown brief but deeply unsettling encounters between Rodney and his future victims. He is presented as disturbingly normal, his charm hiding his monstrous nature, as we witness him lure women into his web before brutally killing them. Despite the horror of these scenes, there's something profoundly disturbing about the mundane nature of Rodney's life, including his ability to hold down a full-time job while committing unspeakable acts.
The film skilfully exposes how psychopaths often use charm and manipulation to lure their victims. I was genuinely shocked by the level of brutality depicted in Rodney's attacks. While the film doesn't show every gruesome detail, what it does reveal is harrowing and deeply disturbing. I appreciated that Woman Of The Hour is far from a typical slasher or psychological thriller. Instead of focusing on graphic violence, much of the terror comes from the build-up to the murders or the aftermath, leaving much of the actual violence to the audience's imagination.
As the story unfolds and we learn more about Rodney's past crimes, the tension builds, making for truly horrifying viewing. Kendrick does an excellent job of maintaining a sense of unease throughout the film, keeping the audience on edge as more of Rodney's dark history is revealed through carefully placed flashbacks.
That said, the film is relatively short, with a runtime of just 95 minutes. I couldn't help but feel there was more to explore. The film could have delved deeper into Rodney's interactions with society and how he was able to go unnoticed for so long, even without showing more violence. There are intriguing moments within the narrative -- such as conversations that take place before the show starts and during breaks -- which provide insight into the mindsets of the time and hint at what others may have observed but overlooked during the taping.
In her directorial debut, Anna Kendrick demonstrates sharp instincts, making thoughtful decisions about how to craft the violence so that it's impactful without being gratuitous. She also provides a well-rounded portrayal of a serial killer who, while terrifying, is not the sole focus of the film. However, anyone expecting a traditional serial killer film, filled with high-paced chases and killings, may feel somewhat let down. But for those looking for a fresh take on the genre -- one that offers more depth and complexity -- Woman Of The Hour will likely resonate.
- Woman Of The Hour
- Starring Anna Kendrick, Daniel Zovatto, Autumn Best
- Directed by Anna Kendrick
- Now streaming on Netflix
