This 91%-Rated Thriller Is Anna Kendrick's Best Film – It's Based on a Shocking Real Crime

Woman of the Hour is Anna Kendrick's directorial debut and one of the most talked-about projects of 2023. The movie is based on true events that took place in the late 1970s.

What Is 'Woman of the Hour' About?

The main character is Sheryl Bradshaw, an aspiring actress played by Anna Kendrick, who is struggling to build a career in show business. Instead of landing the roles she longs for, she is subjected to lewd propositions and mockery.

Following another unsuccessful audition, Sheryl is invited to appear on a popular TV dating show. Once the cameras start rolling, she decides to improvise and take the initiative.

After filming, one of the other guests, photographer Rodney Alcala, persistently asks her out to dinner, and she senses danger.

'Woman of the Hour' Is a Worthy Directorial Debut From Anna Kendrick, Based on a Shocking True Story

Woman of the Hour is based on a true story: in the 1970s, amateur photographer and serial killer Rodney Alcala was believed by investigators to have murdered at least 130 young women and girls. In 1978, Alcala appeared on the popular TV show The Dating Game, and won.

Woman of the Hour stands out as the most remarkable directorial debut of 2023, clearly distinguishing itself from other projects. Kendrick serves as both actress and director, crafting a film that keeps viewers on the edge of their seats until the very end.

Sheryl is not just a victim of circumstance, but a woman striving to maintain control in a world where men dictate the rules. Daniel Zovatto portrays Alcala as an intelligent, charismatic killer who lures his victims in with deceptively kind words.

The cinematography deserves special mention: Kendrick employs a stylised approach, favouring wide-angle lenses, and carefully selects set designs to immerse the audience in the atmosphere of the era.

The Theme of Sexism Runs Like a Red Thread Through 'Woman of the Hour'

Sexism is a recurring theme, evident in the behaviour of the TV show producers and police officers who dismiss the young women's complaints. In contrast to the refined and polite serial killer, the male characters – indifferent and narcissistic – seem like harmless company.

While Kendrick makes no attempt to overstate gender tensions, she effectively illustrates how the system ignores women. Each close-up scene of an attack is shot realistically and is emotionally harrowing to watch.

The director deliberately avoids exploiting the violence, instead creating a sense of paralysing fear. The use of a voyeuristic camera angle makes the viewer feel as though you are participating in the events.

What Did Critics & Viewers Think of 'Woman of the Hour'?

• Woman of the Hour has 91% from critics and 68% from viewers on Rotten Tomatoes.

• On IMDb, the movie has a score of 6.6/10.

• On Letterboxd, Woman of the Hour scored 3.2/5.0.

Where to Watch 'Woman of the Hour'?

Woman of the Hour is available to stream on Netflix.