Woman of the Hour
2024 (Netflix)
Rating: 3 out of 5 stars ⭐️⭐️⭐️
Anna Kendrick’s directorial debut, Woman of the Hour, is not only compelling but also downright chilling; the real-life tale of Rodney Alcala, the ‘Dating Game Killer’, is intertwined with that of Cheryl Bradshaw, the contestant on the 1970s game show who picked him as her bachelor.
Kendrick directs and stars, giving an OK performance but really finding her stride in the telling of women’s stories finding their way through a sexist dating world. The film is brazenly unflinching when it comes to the casual sexism of the times, particularly in the ridiculous dating game shows. Alcala’s cameo only makes him seem even more menacing.
Even if Woman of the Hour is not a cinematic classic, it’s a stark and disturbing true crime drama that stays with you long after the end credits roll. Kendrick proves herself more than just an actress; as a director, she fashions a film that is thought-provoking and very disturbing.
Don’t miss it on Netflix!
