Woman of the Hour Review

Woman of the Hour is Anna Kendrick’s directorial debut, which is incredibly shocking considering what a phenomenal job she does with this film. On top of that, she stars in it. To take on a feat like that for your first feature film is impressive. It is very clear that she has been taking notes throughout her extensive acting career in hopes of one day getting behind the camera.

This film adapts the true, and terrifying story, of Rodney Alcala, a serial killer from the 1970s. After years of raping and murdering women, he found himself on an episode of The Dating Game where the contestant Cheryl Bradshaw actually selected him as the winner. She sensed something off about him and declined their meet-up, which in turn, probably saved her life. In an effort to remain spoiler-free for those who do not know the full story of Alcala, I will not go into more detail.

Daniel Zovatto portrays Rodney in Woman of the Hour, who is subtly creepy and unsettling. He does a wonderful job in the role, making viewers uneasy whenever he is on screen. He tries to be charming, but knowing what we know about him, as the audience, we do not see him that way. However, it is apparent that he could succeed with that when one-on-one with someone. At the same time, anyone who spends enough time with him would pick up on it. Zovatto is no stranger to thrillers and horror films, having previously starred in It Follows, The Pope’s Exorcist, and Don’t Breathe.

As mentioned previously, Kendrick delivers one of her best performances to date (and that says a lot). It is hard not to be inspired by the spunky personality and willingness to stand up for herself that the character shows off. The supporting cast of women round out a group of empowering women – no matter their fate. Woman of the Hour is sure to help the women watching learn to trust their gut. There is no need to be the nice girl and go along with something even if you feel uncomfortable because it could absolutely mean you are doing so in exchange for your life.

(L-R): Anna Kendrick as Cheryl Bradshaw and Daniel Zovatto as Rodney Alcala in Woman of the Hour. Photo: Leah Gallo/Netflix

When it comes to the style of this movie, it’s easy to instantly realize you’re in the 1970s. The clothing, the set design, everything is aged to perfection. The direction and cinematography will have the audience nervous and uneasy, even if they know the details of the events surrounding what happened to Rodney Alcala.

This movie shines a spotlight on situations that women are put in every day of our lives. While the subject matter is very heavy, and there is a lot that is downright scary, there are some great lessons to be learned. There is also almost a comfort in seeing it put on screen so that, hopefully, those watching will be able to understand and comprehend just how scary it can be for us at times, depending on the situation we are put in.

Anna Kendrick shines as both star and director of Woman of the Hour. It’s surprising to see her in such a deep and emotional thriller, as she is more well-known for her comedic roles. She knocks this one out of the park and I truly hope this is not the last we will see of her in this genre.

Woman of the Hour synopsis: The stranger-than-fiction story of an aspiring actress in 1970s Los Angeles and a serial killer in the midst of a yearslong murder spree, whose lives intersect when they’re cast on an episode of The Dating Game.

Woman of the Hour comes to Netflix on October 18th .

Rating: 10/10

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Tessa Smith is a Rotten Tomatoes Tomatometer-approved Film and TV Critic. She owns Mama’s Geeky, but also is a freelance writer. Tessa has been in the Entertainment writing business for more than ten years and is a member of several Critics Associations including the Critics Choice Association. Her passion for film, television, video games, and comic books started when she was a little girl and has only continued to grow. 

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