Woman of the Hour (Netflix) Story :-
Based on the true story of Sheryl Bradshaw (Anna Kendrick), an aspiring actress who crosses paths with Rodney Alcala (Daniel Zovatto), a charismatic yet infamous serial killer, on a 1970s dating show.
Woman of the Hour (Netflix) Release Date, Trailor, Songs, Cast :-
| Release Date | 22 November 2024 |
| Language | English |
| Genre | Crime, Drama, Mystery & Thriller |
| Duration | 1h 29m |
| Cast | Anna Kendrick, Daniel Zovatto, Tony Hale, Nicolette Robinson, Pete Holmes, Autumn Best, Kathryn Gallagher, Kelley Jakle, Matt Visser, Jedidiah Goodacre, Rob Morton, Dylan Schmid, Karen Holness, Denalda Williams, Jessie Fraser, |
| Director | Anna Kendrick |
| Writer | Ian MacAllister McDonald |
| Cinematography | Zach Kuperstein |
| Producer | Stephen Crawford, Andrew Deane, Anna Kendrick, Roy Lee, J.D. Lifshitz, Raphael Margules, Miri Yoon, Vindhya Sagar |
| Production | BoulderLight Pictures, AGC Studios |
| Certificate | 16+ |
Woman of the Hour (Netflix) Review :-
Woman of the Hour, the directorial debut of Academy Award nominee Anna Kendrick, provides a unique take on the true-crime genre. Instead of focusing on sensational violence, it explores the emotional and psychological impact on the women involved. Known for her comedic roles, Kendrick makes a smooth transition into the thriller genre, offering a thoughtful and nuanced portrayal of the notorious case of Rodney Alcala, a man convicted of multiple murders after appearing on The Dating Game in the 1970s.
The film follows Sheryl Bradshaw, an aspiring actress who unknowingly selected Rodney Alcala on The Dating Game, imagining what might have unfolded if she had gone on a date with him. From the very first scene, which subtly alludes to Alcala’s crimes, the film establishes an unsettling atmosphere that lingers throughout. However, Kendrick avoids sensationalizing Alcala’s brutal actions, instead focusing on the emotional toll his presence took on the women he targeted. The violence is never depicted explicitly, allowing the audience to feel the deep fear and tension that permeated their lives without relying on graphic imagery.
The film’s non-linear structure builds suspense by shifting between different timelines, with particular emphasis on the Dating Game episode. In this reimagining, Kendrick has Cheryl take control of the questioning, flipping the traditional sexist dynamic of the show. Rather than being subjected to patronizing questions, Cheryl challenges the bachelors with feminist inquiries, subtly addressing the gender dynamics of the time. This shift critiques the casual misogyny of the 1970s while underscoring Alcala’s manipulative behavior, as he answers with an unsettling calm.
Daniel Zovatto delivers a chilling portrayal of Alcala, but the film wisely keeps the focus on Cheryl and the other women whose lives were devastated by his actions. By centering on the victims, Kendrick steers clear of glorifying the villain, providing a much-needed shift in perspective. The film critiques systemic gendered violence, highlighting how the dismissal of women’s voices allowed Alcala’s terror to persist unchecked.
The climax builds to a tense, nerve-wracking conclusion, with the closing text offering a sobering reminder of how Alcala’s case was mishandled by authorities, largely due to their disregard for the women he victimized. This tragic oversight strengthens the film’s powerful critique of how gendered violence continues to be overlooked.
Woman of the Hour (Netflix) Trailor :-
Woman of the Hour is a standout example of how true-crime thrillers can be both captivating and socially aware. Anna Kendrick’s directorial debut offers a timely and important commentary on gendered violence, delivering a powerful narrative without relying on exploitation. The film stands out for its emotional depth, thought-provoking themes, and Kendrick’s exceptional vision behind the camera, making it a must-see.
