Anna Kendrick makes her directorial debut with a gripping adaptation of the true story surrounding Rodney Alcala’s participation in The Dating Game of 1978. Many critics acknowledge Woman of the Hour as a significant success in the genre.
However, the film goes beyond merely depicting the life of a serial killer who found himself on a game show. It delves into the unsettling moments of realization that can arise in everyday conversations.
This narrative focuses on the subtle clues in seemingly innocuous exchanges that can evoke a chilling awareness of danger. It captures the fragile line between a harmless interaction and one that causes immediate concern.
Throughout Anna Kendrick’s Woman of the Hour, particularly amidst the chaos and dazzling lights of a television set, viewers can appreciate how the tale of the Dating Game Killer illustrates the idea of danger lurking in plain sight.
The case for sensationalizing true crime
It’s well-known that many true-crime enthusiasts, especially ones producing content for platforms like Netflix, tend to make the same misstep. They feel the need to amplify stories that are already captivating or difficult to believe, which often leads to exaggerated dramatizations that blend reality with fiction.
The criminal activities of Rodney Alcala are especially surreal. Posing as a photographer, Alcala is believed to have taken the lives of up to 130 individuals, even though he was convicted of just seven murders. His shocking appearance on The Dating Game in 1978 adds more layers to this bizarre narrative.
Fortunately, Anna Kendrick, along with screenwriter Ian McDonald, keeps the film grounded in its remarkable authenticity.
Rather than embellishing the story, they choose to rearrange certain aspects, such as Alcala’s actual position on the show (he was Bachelor Number One instead of Bachelor Number Three) and the spontaneous questions posed by contestant Cheryl. These choices effectively heighten the inherent horror embedded in the narrative.
The most significant deviation from the factual account is a speculative scenario: what if Cheryl had gone on a date with Alcala? In reality, she declined his advances shortly after the show, feeling “weird vibes” from him, an instinct that ultimately saved her. In this film, however, the two share drinks immediately following the taping.
This fictional encounter doesn’t alter the reality but instead enhances the film’s exploration of Alcala’s threat. From this point on, it becomes evident that Woman of the Hour is particularly crafted with a female audience in mind.
Anna Kendrick’s directorial launch is a hit
The film features what is arguably the most hair-raising scene. Kendrick has a talent for portraying moments gone awry, as she weaves the fabricated date into a haunting experience. As Cheryl begins to sense danger, Woman of the Hour solidifies its identity as a genuine horror film.
Although Kendrick stepped into the director’s role after Chloe Okuno departed the project, she demonstrates her skill in storytelling and an ability to create intense scenarios.
While Woman of the Hour may not fully succeed as a period piece and doesn’t aim for artistic innovation, it remains a tense and disconcerting narrative that captivates audiences.
Kendrick’s portrayal of Cheryl—a struggling actress who finds herself on The Dating Game in her quest for exposure—is spot on. With her signature delivery and quirky charm, Cheryl becomes a character who exemplifies how easily one can find themselves in perilous situations.
A killer under scrutiny
In many serial killer narratives, the perpetrators are often depicted as utterly different from ordinary people—monstrous entities symbolizing evil. However, in Woman of the Hour, Rodney Alcala is portrayed as simply an everyman.
He resembles a boastful colleague at work or the neighbor who lends a hand with heavy lifting. Yet he’s also someone who cannot bear humiliation or ridicule, channeling his frustrations into acts of violence against women.
Daniel Zovatto delivers a stellar performance as Alcala, effectively crafting a multifaceted character who possesses both charm and intelligence, underscoring a disturbing reality.
Through subtle interactions, the characters are well-developed. For instance, we witness Alcala igniting a sense of unease in another bachelor and Cheryl attempting to settle her nerves with the makeup artists. These moments are essential, as they allow us to indulge our curiosity about the true events surrounding this notorious case.
Woman of the Hour review rating: 4/5
Discussing the current landscape of true crime often leads back to the controversies surrounding Netflix, yet it is clear that Woman of the Hour has successfully navigated this genre.
Stripped of unnecessary dramatics and excess, it cleverly plays with timelines and perspectives to subvert a conventional narrative. Scenes depicting violence and brutality (of which there are many) are presented in a straightforward manner, without resorting to flashy techniques or over-the-top musical cues.
Kendrick refrains from fabricating more than what is necessary or detailing gruesome aspects excessively; instead, she emphasizes the emotional weight of the story. Take note, Ryan Murphy.
Woman of the Hour is set to premiere on Netflix on October 18.
For further exploration, check out the latest true crime shows and documentaries releasing this month, along with other exciting new films available for streaming.
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