Woman of the Hour
October 16th, 2024
MOVIE: WOMAN OF THE HOUR
STARRING: ANNA KENDRICK, DANIEL ZOVATTO, TONY HALE, AUTUMN BEST
DIRECTED BY: ANNA KENDRICK
AMovieGuy.com’s RATING: 3 ½ STARS (Out of 4)
RATED: R
RUN TIME: 95 MINUTES
The true crime sub-genre has long fascinated audiences, from shows like Dateline and Unsolved Mysteries to recent hits like The Jinx and various Netflix documentaries. Anna Kendrick’s directorial debut, Woman of the Hour, transcends the true crime trend, showcasing the genre’s potential when handled with care. The film follows a woman who appears on a dating show, unaware that one of her “lucky” bachelors is a serial killer who has evaded capture for decades. Kendrick’s approach—highlighting the stories of his victims alongside the game show narrative—evokes comparisons to well-crafted true crime films like Zodiac and Boston Strangler. Woman of the Hour is a triumph of suspense and masterful storytelling.
The opening scene introduces us to Rodney Alcala, portrayed with chilling intensity by Daniel Zovatto. He takes photos of a woman (Kelley Jakle) against a mountainside backdrop. As she shares her familial struggles, a sense of vulnerability fills the air—until Alcala’s true nature is revealed when he strangles her and leaves her for dead, marking the first of many victims. The focus then shifts to Sheryl Bradshaw (Kendrick), a struggling actor on the verge of giving up. When she receives a chance to appear on a dating game show, she hopes for recognition, unaware that one of the contestants is Alcala, poised to target his next victim.
Woman of the Hour succeeds due to Ian McDonald’s screenplay and Kendrick’s direction. The writing alternates between the game show and Alcala’s encounters with his victims, such as the poignant moment with Charlie (Kathryn Gallagher), who he helps move into her new apartment. His charm disarms her, creating an atmosphere of dread. A standout sequence involves Alcala meeting Amy (Autumn Best), a homeless runaway whom he lures with promises of modeling opportunities. Kendrick skillfully balances the tension between the assaults and the game show, keeping viewers engaged as we anticipate each character’s grim fate. Rather than glorifying violence, the film serves as a dissection of a monster’s psyche, revealing the horrific reality of Alcala’s predation.
The 1970s game show setting effectively juxtaposes horror with a facade, akin to how Late Night with the Devil used a public forum for an exorcism. We witness how predators disguise themselves, using charm and charisma to disarm their victims, all while concealing a dark side. The film contrasts good and evil, highlighting the profound sadness that predators like Alcala inflict on their victims.
As a directorial debut, Woman of the Hour far exceeds expectations. Kendrick demonstrates a keen understanding of how to tell the story of a serial killer without glorifying him, while also capturing the humanity of his victims. The game show may appear as a moment of fun, but it underscores the chilling reality that killers can exist among us, hidden in plain sight. Woman of the Hour delivers powerful true crime storytelling.
3 ½ STARS
WOMEN OF THE HOUR IS CURRENTLY PLAYING ON NETFLIX OCTOBER 25TH, 2024.
Written by: Leo Brady
