Anna Kendrick makes her directorial debut with a surprisingly dark film titled “Woman of the Hour,” in which she also stars as Cheryl Bradshaw, an aspiring performer in 1978 Hollywood. Initially introduced during what seems to be an unsuccessful audition, Cheryl is struggling to secure acting roles, finding that casting directors focus more on her appearance and willingness to perform nude rather than her talent. Frustrated and desperate, she agrees to appear on the game show “The Dating Game” to gain exposure.
Unbeknownst to her, she shares the stage with Rodney Alcala, portrayed by Daniel Zovatto, a notorious serial killer and rapist whose chilling actions are interwoven throughout the film. The story alternates between Cheryl’s experiences on the show and Alcala’s heinous crimes spanning over a decade in New York and California, highlighting the unsettling reality of his life as he evaded law enforcement despite numerous warnings and confrontations.
Kendrick directs these sequences with finesse, avoiding gratuitous violence and instead leaning into the somber undercurrent of the narrative. While Alcala appears charming and knowledgeable, particularly about film and literature, the film expertly hints at the darkness within him. However, the film’s execution may not fully resonate with viewers.
The structure centered around “The Dating Game” offers thematic intrigue but introduces a rather predictable rhythm to the story, which potentially detracts from its emotional impact. The circular narrative fails to provide deeper insight into either Alcala or Cheryl, leaving a sense of detachment. Overall, while “Woman of the Hour” presents a serious message about the dangers of the world, it risks feeling disjointed and overly polished, lacking the depth that might engage audiences in today’s fascination with true crime stories.