“Woman of the Hour,” Anna Kendrick’s directorial debut, is an unsettling, psychologically intense film based on the true story of Rodney Alcala, a serial killer who shockingly appeared as a contestant on the popular television show “The Dating Game” in the late 1970s.
Kendrick has a natural talent for direction, handling the grim subject matter with sensitivity and skill while moving beyond the typical true-crime focus on brutality. Instead, she zeroes in on the systemic misogyny that allowed Alcala to operate undetected, using this horrific tale to explore the uncomfortable dynamics between men and women.
Kendrick also stars as Sheryl, a struggling actress who unknowingly encounters Alcala (Daniel Zovatto) during her appearance on the prime time game show. Her performance is layered with vulnerability as her character is thrust into the bizarre situation of unknowingly confronting a murderer on live television. She does feel a tad miscast here, but it works well enough since she’s just so likeable. Zovatto gives a nothing short of disturbing performance as Alcala. He exudes a chilling arrogance and tangible charm, encapsulating the real-life killer’s ability to manipulate the system to his advantage. His turn here gave me nightmares. There are also effective supporting turns from Autumn Best and Nicolette Robinson.
The film jumps between Alcala’s past crimes and the pivotal moment on the show, balancing these timelines in a skillful way. The storytelling is terrific, and Kendrick’s pacing is fast yet deliberate. Each moment, whether in the game show’s lighthearted setting or the more sinister flashbacks of horrific murders, feels crucial. I was on the edge of my seat the entire time.
What stands out most is the way the film refrains from sensationalizing Alcala’s crimes (I think a lot of this has to do with the fact that a woman was behind the camera, and it’s extremely effective). Instead, the film emphasizes how women are often forced to navigate an environment filled with hidden threats, where survival sometimes means “playing the game” in more ways than one. You can ask any woman you know if she’s ever been afraid of a man following her when she was alone at some point in her life, and I guarantee the answer will be a resounding “yes.” Kendrick nails that uneasy feeling absolutely perfectly.
“Woman of the Hour” not only recounts an unbelievable true story but uses it to deliver a powerful message: believe women. The film is a chilling exploration of the intersection of violence and misogyny, brought to life by a strong cast and smart, sensitive direction. It’s a gripping and thought-provoking entry into the true crime genre, and the broader societal critique elevates into something important and timely.
By: Louisa Moore
Screen Zealots 