Thomas Storai 
(L-R) Tony Hale as Ed and Anna Kendrick as Sheryl in Woman of the Hour. Cr. Leah Gallo/Netflix © 2024.
“Woman of the Hour is a staggering success for Anna Kendrick’s directorial debut. It brings a refreshing take on the crime thriller genre by giving voice to the victims and the survivors. This film is a riveting and harrowing examination of systemic misogyny.”
Woman of the Hour is Anna Kendrick’s directorial debut. The film releases tomorrow on Netflix.
STORY
Woman of the Hour is a crime thriller based on the real life murders of Rodney Alcala, who killed possibly as many as 130 people between 1971 and 1979. Just writing these words sends shivers down my spine. It’s actually horrifying that someone was able to kill that many women and girls before being put in jail. How could that happen? This film answers that question. That answer, it hits like a dagger. It’s misogyny, everyday misogyny that women faced at that time and still face today that allowed someone like Alcala to get away with murder. This film is a riveting examination of systemic misogyny through the lens of a true crime.
Furthermore, Woman of the Hour is not your typical crime thriller. Indeed, this one brings a refreshing take on the genre. It focuses on the victims and the survivors. It’s quite rare that a film actually gives them voice the way this one does. The story follows Cheryl Bradshaw, a woman who lives in California and tries to get her breakthrough role as an actress. Her life takes an unexpected turn when she becomes a candidate on The Dating Game show. At the same time, it also goes back and forth in time focusing on other victims targeted by Alcala. So, the story isn’t about that horrible monster but about these women. It’s about their lives. By focusing on these characters, Woman of the Hour takes a stance. It makes a point about how society behaves and how the dangers that women face everyday.
CAST
Anna Kendrick plays Cheryl Bradshaw with great sincerity. In fact, all the actresses playing Alcala’s victims brilliantly highlight the individuality of these women and honour them. Daniel Zovatto delivers a haunting performance as the killer Alcala. He brings a certain charm that hides something so disturbing. People will remember this performance just as they will remember this film.
VISUALS
Moreover, this film marks Anna Kendrick’s directorial debut and it’s a surprising success. General audience knows Kendrick for her comedic roles. Thus, a crime thriller isn’t what you would expect her to direct. Yet, she knows exactly what she’s doing and how to do it. Undoubtedly she’s not only an accomplished actress but a skilled director. She has a keen eye for creating tension. All throughout the film, you can feel this unsettling and harrowing atmosphere. The quiet and often vast scenery amplifies that. This is what you expect from a thriller. In addition, from the costumes to the colours, this film perfectly captures the America from the 70s. You really feel like you’re in it, which is even more terrifying because of what this story is about.
VERDICT
Woman of the Hour is a staggering success for Anna Kendrick’s directorial debut. It brings a refreshing take on the crime thriller genre by giving voice to the victims and the survivors. This film is a riveting and harrowing examination of systemic misogyny.
Woman of the Hour releases tomorrow on Netflix.
Collectables and Anime Editor for Future Of The Force.
Star Wars expert and Japan connoisseur.
