Synopsis: Cheryl Bradshaw, a single woman looking for a suitor on a hit 1970s TV show, chooses charming bachelor Rodney Alcala, unaware that, behind the man’s gentle facade, he hides a deadly secret.
Director: Anna Kendrick
Stars: Anna Kendrick, David Zovatta, Tony Hale
The mention of Anna Kendrick’s name often brings to mind several things, like that she’s a Barden Bella, a member of the fictional a cappella group made famous in the Pitch Perfect movies. She’s recognized for her singing talent, and she received an Oscar nomination for her performance in Up in the Air. It’s time to add to that list of achievements and mention that she is also a good director.
It doesn’t always work out well for actors who go behind the camera — looking at you Chris Pine and your film, Poolman.
With a screenplay by Ian McDonald, Woman of the Hour tells the odd but true story of Rodney Alcala, who appeared on the television show The Dating Game as a potential suitor while he was in the midst of a killing spree.
The film is set in the 1970s, and there are two parallel storylines. We meet Cheryl (Anna Kendrick), an aspiring actor looking for her break. To her credit, Kendrick plays the role very well. There are thousands of stories of ‘Cheryls’ who go to Los Angeles with Hollywood dreams.
Meanwhile, we meet Rodney (David Zovatta), who poses as a photographer to lure women away so he can kill them. For these scenes, Zovatta is exceptionally terrifying in this performance. He goes from a charming individual to a heartless killer in the blink of an eye.
Kendrick does an exceptional job as director, building tension during these moments. While she does not shoot glorified scenes of the murders, she develops the intensity of these horrifying acts quite well.
Cheryl gets the opportunity to be on The Dating Game, and wouldn’t you know that one of the three suitors vying for her attention is our murderous photographer?
The realization that the film is based on a true story is initially mind-blowing. How does Rodney hide in plain sight like this? That question is partially answered by the fact that the film takes place in the late 1970s, when the internet and smartphones weren’t a thing, before there was the ability to do a social media background check.
Kendrick has made a strong film. She doesn’t need to be the centre of attention on screen; David Zovatta has that role. His portrayal of the serial killer is extremely strong, and he has carved out a niche that separates him from other similar roles.
Instead, Kenrick excels behind the camera. This thriller develops tension and suspense extremely well. The film examines uncomfortable gender dynamics, and Kendrick forces the audience to pay attention to how women are forced to handle encounters with men.
How do you navigate that bad date? How do you get out of an uncomfortable situation? These questions have plagued women for years, and Kendrick brings them to the forefront using this bizarre situation of a killer on live TV. The underlying message of the film extends beyond the narrative of the killer, delving into the complexities of male-female dynamics.
Woman of the Hour is a well-made film that is worth your time.
Grade: B
Watch the movie trailer:
