Anna Kendrick is stepping into new territory with her directorial debut in the fact-based crime thriller, “Woman of the Hour,” which lands on Netflix on October 18. Known for her acting prowess, Kendrick now adds directing to her repertoire, steering a cast that includes Daniel Zovatto, Nicolette Robinson, and Tony Hale. This gripping film unravels the unsettling tale of Rodney Alcala, a notorious serial killer, as depicted by Zovatto, and his startling appearance on a television dating show.
Unveiling the Real-Life Horror
“Woman of the Hour” centers around Cheryl Bradshaw, played by Kendrick, a woman blindly stepping onto a game show stage in 1978 to find love—or rather, exposure, as suggested by her agent. However, unbeknownst to her, the charming bachelor on the other side is harboring dark secrets. The film encapsulates the tense moments when Bradshaw, among others, comes face-to-face with Alcala’s sinister truth.
The story, rooted in chilling reality, draws from Ian McDonald’s script, which made waves on the Black List in 2017. It questions how close innocent people can come to danger in the name of entertainment, a theme relevant to the obsession with true crime in today’s media.
The Creative Forces
Behind the scenes, Kendrick directs with a script that ingeniously balances suspense with the unsettling nature of true crime. Under the production prowess of Roy Lee, Miri Yoon, J.D. Lifshitz, and Raphael Margules, “Woman of the Hour” promises to be both a visual and narrative marvel.
Premiering at the Toronto International Film Festival in 2023, the film received attention for its daring approach to the genre. Critic Lovia Gyarkye from The Hollywood Reporter noted Kendrick’s compelling transition behind the camera, building on her earlier work in “Alice, Darling.” The film ambitiously strives to shift true-crime narratives, spotlighting not just the heinous acts of Alcala but the voices of those affected by his horrifying spree.
Breaking the Mold
“Woman of the Hour” emerges as a provocative film challenging the archetypal storytelling associated with serial killers. It aligns with the ongoing trend of giving agency and visibility to victims, rather than glorifying the criminal.
This narrative choice mirrors broader cultural shifts, as audiences and creators alike demand more responsible and respectful interpretations of real-life tragedies. By focusing on the unsung perseverance of survivors, Kendrick’s film contributes to this evolving landscape, offering a thoughtful commentary on the nature of justice and media representation.
Closing Credits
With its upcoming release, “Woman of the Hour” is set to shake up Netflix’s portfolio, inviting viewers into a harrowing chapter of history. The film holds a release date of October 18, when viewers will have their chance to witness Kendrick’s creative exploration of one of America’s most infamous dating shows. Stay tuned, as this heralds a new phase of gritty, thought-provoking cinematic storytelling.
