Woman of the Hour is a gripping true-crime thriller directed by Anna Kendrick, who also stars in the film as Cheryl Bradshaw, an aspiring actress in 1970s Los Angeles. The plot follows the unsettling real-life events surrounding serial killer Rodney Alcala, played by Daniel Zovatto, who managed to appear on The Dating Game in the middle of his years-long murder spree.
The movie centers on a fateful episode of the show where Bradshaw, unaware of Alcala’s true nature, chooses him as her date. The teaser hints at an eerie atmosphere as Alcala, a seemingly charming man, hides his dark, psychopathic tendencies under a smooth persona. Tension mounts as Cheryl unknowingly comes close to becoming his next victim. However, Bradshaw’s instincts ultimately lead her to cancel the date after the show, sparing her from his violence.
The film explores the idea of public personas masking evil intentions, delving into how Alcala managed to manipulate people and avoid detection for so long. Kendrick, making her directorial debut, highlights the psychological tension between the characters, with a focus on how Alcala’s victims, like Cheryl, often had no idea they were interacting with a killer.
Kendrick has noted in interviews that she wanted to explore the themes of victim-blaming and societal expectations of women to be polite even when uncomfortable. The movie portrays Cheryl’s near-escape from a life-threatening situation and underscores the randomness and unpredictability of encountering dangerous individuals.
Supporting cast members include Tony Hale, who plays Ed, a producer of the show, and Nicolette Robinson. Kendrick’s approach to the film balances moments of humor with high-stakes tension, aiming to keep viewers on edge while offering insight into the cultural norms of the 1970s.
Woman of the Hour is set for release on Netflix on October 18, 2024 offering a haunting look at the intersection of celebrity, danger, and true crime in one of the most bizarre stories of its time.
