Anna Kendrick makes her directorial debut with Woman of the Hour, a gripping film based on the true story of serial killer Rodney Alcala and his unsettling appearance on The Dating Game in the 1970s. The film’s teaser offers a tense glimpse into a date gone horribly wrong, setting the tone for a thriller that blends real-life horror with a chilling psychological narrative.
The film centers on Sheryl Bradshaw, portrayed by Kendrick, who unknowingly goes on a date with Alcala, played by Daniel Zovatto. What starts as an uncomfortable encounter at a tropical-themed bar spirals into a much darker narrative as the audience realizes the true identity of Sheryl’s date. Alcala, at the time of their meeting, was in the midst of a killing spree, and his participation in a popular dating show adds a layer of unsettling irony to the story.
Kendrick’s directorial approach focuses on subverting the traditional serial killer narrative by shifting the focus from the killer himself to his victims. By giving voice to the lives cut short by Alcala’s violence, Woman of the Hour repositions the horror away from his notoriety and instead highlights the humanity of those he harmed. This perspective adds a compelling layer to the film, moving beyond sensationalism to examine the emotional and psychological impacts of Alcala’s crimes.
The film is an exploration of the grotesque intersection of fame and violence. Alcala’s ability to charm his way onto a popular game show, even while committing heinous acts, is a reflection of the era’s obliviousness to the danger lurking behind his charismatic façade. Anna Kendrick uses this setting to create an atmosphere of increasing dread, as Sheryl begins to sense something is amiss during their date, though she remains unaware of the full extent of Alcala’s evil.
The supporting cast of Woman of the Hour adds depth to the narrative, with performances from Tony Hale, Nicolette Robinson, and Kathryn Gallagher. Each actor contributes to the film’s tension, portraying individuals unknowingly orbiting Alcala’s dangerous world. Kendrick, known for her acting work in films like A Simple Favor and Up in the Air, takes on a new challenge as director, crafting a film that focuses not just on the terror of Alcala’s crimes but also on the societal conditions that allowed him to blend in so easily.
With a screenplay by Ian McDonald Woman of the Hour brings a nuanced, unsettling true crime story to life. The film’s narrative structure mirrors the discomfort and suspense that defined the real-life events, creating a film that feels both timely and timeless in its portrayal of manipulation and the darkness beneath the surface.
Woman of the Hour will be available for streaming on Netflix starting October 18.
