Woman of the Hour Review: Anna Kendrick’s Haunting Directorial Debut
A chilling true-crime thriller that puts victims at the center of the story.
Anna Kendrick’s Woman of the Hour: A Haunting True-Crime Thriller
Anna Kendrick’s directorial debut, Woman of the Hour, is not your typical serial killer movie. Instead of glorifying the criminal or focusing on the gory details, Kendrick chooses to center the narrative on the victims and the societal pressures women face. The result is a haunting, unsettling film that lingers long after the credits roll.
The Plot: A True Story That Will Haunt You
Woman of the Hour is based on the true story of Rodney Alcala, a convicted sex offender and serial killer who appeared on the television show The Dating Game during his murder spree in 1978. The film follows Sheryl Bradshaw, an aspiring actress who lands a gig on the show, unaware that the winning contestant is a serial killer.
The movie’s plot is both gripping and disturbing. It doesn’t shy away from the reality of Alcala’s crimes, but it also doesn’t sensationalize them. Instead, Kendrick uses the story to explore the lives of the victims and the societal pressures that make women vulnerable to predators.
Why Woman of the Hour Stands Out
Most serial killer movies and shows focus on the criminal, often turning them into anti-heroes or objects of fascination. Woman of the Hour is different. Kendrick’s approach is refreshing and necessary. By centering the narrative on the victims, she gives them a voice and a presence that is often missing in true-crime stories.
The film is also thematically dense, exploring issues like women’s societal conditioning to be “nice” and “accommodating,” and how predators exploit these traits. It’s a powerful indictment of the negative side of female experience, and it’s clear that Kendrick has put a lot of thought into the film’s message.
The Cast: Strong Performances Across the Board
The cast of Woman of the Hour is excellent. Anna Kendrick delivers a nuanced performance as Sheryl Bradshaw, capturing the character’s vulnerability and strength. The supporting cast is equally impressive, with standout performances from newcomers and veterans alike.
One of the most notable performances is from Autumn Best, who plays Amy, a spirited runaway that Alcala pursues. Best brings a sense of authenticity and depth to her role, making Amy’s story one of the most memorable in the film.
The Directorial Debut: Kendrick’s Vision
Anna Kendrick’s directorial debut is a triumph. She brings a sensitivity and insight to the material that is rare in the true-crime genre. Kendrick’s decision to focus on the victims and their stories is a bold move, and it pays off in spades.
The film’s pacing is deliberate, allowing the audience to fully absorb the weight of the story. Kendrick’s use of silence and subtle moments of tension is masterful, creating an atmosphere of unease that permeates the entire film.
The Societal Commentary: A Powerful Indictment
One of the most powerful aspects of Woman of the Hour is its societal commentary. The film explores how predators exploit women’s societal conditioning to be “nice” and “accommodating,” encouraging them to push down their discomfort and wants to please others—typically men.
Parallel to this, Alcala is given moments of screen time to express panic and tearfulness. This may seem like a strange sympathetic choice for a figure who would strangle women, then revive them to torture them some more, but it ensures he remains human in the eyes of the audience. He’s no icy Michael Myers boogeyman. In fact, Alcala appears as just one step away from the men who objectify Cheryl, who touch her without consent and emotionally manipulate her into a state of demure compliance—and these are the good, socially upstanding guys.
The Victims: Real People, Not Statistics
Having positioned himself as a sensitive photographer, Alcala prompts his targets to tell their life story, to share their dreams and ambitions. While he will callously snuff out their futures, it does mean viewers see these women as real people as opposed to simply a statistic—photos on a true crime website or a name dropped in a podcast with no further context. Even if they only appear for five minutes, Kendrick ensures each victim gets their chance to be a Woman of the Hour. They deserve it after what was taken from them.
No Victim Shaming: Acknowledging Women’s Survival Strategies
Importantly, there is also no victim shaming in Woman of the Hour. The film acknowledges what women must do to survive. It would have been easy to present female assertiveness as a solution in every scene, but that isn’t the case in Kendrick’s film. Demonstrations of confidence and decisive action may lead to positive outcomes for some characters, but that isn’t the case for everyone. Some experience no change, even with loving, supportive men backing them up. On the flip side, it’s one moment of apologetic submissiveness, portrayed as an act of courage, that ultimately opens the door to justice.
The Impact: A Film That Will Stay With You
Woman of the Hour is a powerful film but it’s absolutely not an easy watch. If you’ve ever crossed a dark street or parking lot, well aware of a man apparently shadowing you, or if you’ve found yourself having to defuse male rage armed only with a polite smile, you know what you can expect for an hour and a half here.
The film’s impact is profound. It’s a reminder of the ongoing struggle women face and the societal pressures that make them vulnerable to predators. It’s also a call to action, urging viewers to recognize and challenge these pressures.
Where to Watch: Netflix and Beyond
Woman of the Hour premiered at South African cinemas on 4 October. As of 18 October, just two weeks later, the film arrived on Netflix for home viewing. It’s now available to stream, making it accessible to a wider audience.
FAQs
- Is Woman of the Hour based on a true story? Yes, the film is based on the true story of Rodney Alcala, a convicted sex offender and serial killer who appeared on The Dating Game during his murder spree in 1978.
- Who directed Woman of the Hour? Anna Kendrick directed the film, marking her directorial debut.
- What is the main theme of Woman of the Hour? The film explores the lives of the victims and the societal pressures women face, particularly how predators exploit women’s societal conditioning to be “nice” and “accommodating.”
- Is Woman of the Hour available on Netflix? Yes, the film is available to stream on Netflix.
- What is the rating for Woman of the Hour? The film has received high praise, with a 5 out of 5 stars rating from PureWow.
Conclusion
Anna Kendrick’s Woman of the Hour is a powerful, unsettling true-crime thriller that puts victims at the center of the story. It’s a film that will stay with you long after the credits roll, and it’s a must-watch for anyone interested in the true-crime genre or the societal pressures women face.
Table: Key Points About Woman of the Hour
| Aspect | Details |
|---|---|
| Director | Anna Kendrick |
| Genre | True-crime thriller |
| Based on | True story of Rodney Alcala |
| Main Theme | Victims’ lives and societal pressures on women |
| Availability | Netflix |
| Rating | 5 out of 5 stars (PureWow) |
References
- https://www.pfangirl.com/entertainment/woman-of-the-hour-review/
- https://www.careercontessa.com/interviews/mary-kate-mcgrath-editor-in-chief-purewow/
- https://www.purewow.com/entertainment/woman-of-the-hour-review
- https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9oBRYibZrZQ
- https://www.purewow.com/entertainment/best-netflix-movies-ranked
- https://www.aol.com/articles/wasnt-excited-conspiracy-thriller-episode-163449056.html
