Woman of the Hour: A Chilling Debut by Anna Kendrick

Anna Kendrick’s directorial debut, Woman of the Hour, is not just a film; it’s a gripping narrative that explores the dangers lurking beneath the surface of seemingly innocent encounters. Through the lens of the notorious Dating Game killer, Kendrick takes us on a journey that intertwines the lives of her characters with a chilling reality that remains disturbingly relevant today.

Introducing Cheryl Bradshaw

In Woman of the Hour, Anna Kendrick plays Cheryl Bradshaw, a bright-eyed actress yearning for her big break in the bustling world of Hollywood. As she navigates the often cruel landscape of auditions, her luck seems to change when she is invited to appear on the iconic television show The Dating Game. This gig, while not exactly her dream role, offers Cheryl a chance to make her mark on national television.

However, this seemingly innocent opportunity spirals into horror as Cheryl unknowingly becomes entangled with Bachelor No. 3, played by Daniel Zovatto. Therein lies the twist; this bachelor, Rodney Alcala, is not just a photographer looking for love—he’s a serial killer, and Cheryl is about to unwittingly select him for a date.

Anna Kendrick as Cheryl Bradshaw in Woman of the Hour

A Unique Narrative Structure

Kendrick’s storytelling is anything but conventional. Instead of a straightforward retelling of the events surrounding Alcala, she chooses to craft a complex narrative that showcases not only the victims but also those whose instincts warned about him. This method avoids glorifying the killer, a common pitfall in true crime narratives, and instead offers a respectful tribute to the victims, all of whom were women.

We start our journey back in 1977, witnessing a chilling encounter where Alcala photographs a woman named Sarah—a moment laced with the tension of impending doom. Kendrick captures the vulnerability and horror in Sarah’s eyes as she realizes she is not merely a subject in front of the camera but a prey in a predatory game.

The Timelines Unfold

The narrative structure hops around various timelines, showing glimpses of Alcala’s previous victims and the mundane horror that accompanies every interaction with men that women must navigate daily. A pivotal moment occurs post-Dating Game when an audience member recognizes Alcala from a previous encounter, desperately trying to warn the show’s producers. Yet, her pleas are dismissed, allowing Alcala to remain a step ahead, enabling his malevolent pursuits.

Kendrick frames these moments with a keen understanding of the fears women hold. For instance, after filming the episode, Cheryl experiences a terrifying encounter in an empty parking lot, reinforcing an unsettling reality that many women face.

Depicting the True Cost

Throughout the film, Kendrick threads the story of Amy, a drifter who ultimately becomes Alcala’s downfall. By weaving Amy’s tale into the fabric of the main storyline, Kendrick illustrates the intelligence and resilience that women often have to exhibit to survive. She poses the haunting question, “What are girls for?” to the male contestants on The Dating Game. The subsequent fumbling responses reveal more than just the contestants’ lack of understanding—it underscores a societal failure to value women’s voices and experiences.

Delving into the psyche of fear and survival in Woman of the Hour

Conclusion: A Story Worth Telling

Woman of the Hour is a significant film that does not shy away from the uncomfortable truths about women’s experiences in a world often hostile to them. Anna Kendrick’s insightful direction offers a fresh perspective on a true crime drama that transcends mere horror, aiming instead for a deeper dialogue about society’s treatment of women. It is a call to recognize the voices of those often left in the shadows, waiting for their stories to be told.

With a B grade rating and approved for audiences ready for a mature conversation, this film is not just a horror story—it’s a must-watch for anyone interested in the nuances of gender dynamics in society today. Premiering on Netflix, Kendrick’s debut is undeniably worth your time while it challenges the narrative of who truly holds the power in a dating game—and in life.

Ratings

• GRADE: B
• Rated R: for language, violent content, some drug use, and a sexual reference
• Running Time: 95 minutes

Find out more about the movie here.