In her impressive directorial debut, Anna Kendrick brings to life the gripping thriller “Woman of the Hour,” which delves into the chilling true story of 1970s serial killer Rodney Alcala. The Netflix film follows Alcala’s killing spree and the societal failings that enabled his crimes, with a particular focus on the infamous moment when he appeared on the TV show “The Dating Game” in 1978.
The narrative unfolds through the lens of the women who encountered Alcala, with Kendrick also portraying Cheryl Bradshaw, one of the contestants on the show. The film sheds light on the pervasive misogyny of the era, portraying the subtle and overt sexism faced by women in various aspects of their lives. Kendrick deftly captures the bleak atmosphere of the 1970s, where trusting a stranger or hitchhiking seemed entirely plausible.
Kendrick navigates the storytelling with sensitivity, never veering into glorifying Alcala or sensationalising his crimes. While the film’s careful approach is commendable in avoiding graphic depictions of violence, it also leaves room for deeper exploration of Alcala’s character and motivations. The victims in the narrative, too, feel somewhat compressed, with fleeting flashbacks that could have been more fleshed out.
Despite its polished aesthetic, some critics feel that “Woman of the Hour” at times lacks authenticity, reminiscent of period dramas where everyone has perfectly straight teeth and immaculate outfits. However, the overarching message of the film resonates strongly – highlighting not just the actions of an individual evil, but the widespread complicity of a society that allowed Alcala to continue his atrocities unchecked for far too long.
As the film culminates with Alcala’s appearance on “The Dating Game,” viewers are confronted with the stark reality of how such a notorious criminal managed to evade justice for so long. Overall, “Woman of the Hour” serves as a poignant reflection on the societal norms and attitudes that enabled a killer to operate with impunity, urging audiences to confront the uncomfortable truths of the past.
Directed by Anna Kendrick and featuring a talented cast including Daniel Zovatto, Tony Hale, and Nicolette Robinson, “Woman of the Hour” offers a thought-provoking exploration of a dark chapter in American history. The film is set to premiere on Netflix on October 18, inviting viewers to delve into a compelling story of survival and resilience in the face of unimaginable horrors.