The film Woman of the Hour (2024) made its global Netflix debut on October 18, 2023, following festival screenings earlier in the year. Marking the directorial debut of actress Anna Kendrick, this true crime drama recounts the harrowing accounts of the victims of infamous American serial killer Rodney Alcala.
This gripping film highlights Alcala’s unsettling participation in the 1978 reality show The Dating Game, where he secured a date with contestant Cheryl Bradshaw. While the narrative centers around Alcala’s heinous acts, it also offers poignant glimpses into the lives of the women who fell prey to his violence.
Disclaimer: This article includes spoilers for Woman of the Hour. The views expressed herein are solely those of the author.
What does Woman of the Hour depict? Is it a must-see?
Woman of the Hour is rooted in the unsettling true story of Rodney Alcala, a notorious murderer and sex offender who faced conviction for his numerous crimes. The narrative revolves around his shocking appearance on a national television show, serving as a catalyst for the events that unfold.
This review will delve into the standout elements of the film, discussing the aspects that contribute to making Woman of the Hour a compelling watch.
Summary of the Plot and Storyline
At its outset, the film introduces Rodney Alcala, who masquerades as a fashion photographer to blend in and prey on innocent women. His treacherous acts are interspersed with the storyline of Cheryl Bradshaw, a struggling actress in Los Angeles, who is persuaded by her agent to appear on The Dating Game in hopes of boosting her acting career.
Despite feeling apprehensive about the gig, Cheryl ultimately decides to go ahead with it. Rather than conforming to the typical format, she opts to ask the contestants deeper questions, which leads to an unexpected twist. Among the bachelors, the third contestant provides astute responses, completely unaware that he is actually the serial killer, Rodney Alcala. Unfortunately, the show’s producers failed to carry out a proper background check before allowing him on set.
Although Cheryl selects him as the winner, her discomfort grows around him. After a chilling close call where she narrowly escapes his attack in a deserted studio parking lot, she chooses to abandon her acting aspirations and relocate.
Meanwhile, Rodney’s dark tendencies escalate as he preys on a runaway girl named Amy, who pleads for discretion after a harrowing encounter. After managing to flee, she alerts authorities, culminating in Alcala’s eventual arrest.
Performance and Direction
Woman of the Hour, under the direction of Anna Kendrick, showcases her not only as the leading character but also as a storyteller who brings a sharp wit and intelligence to the role of Cheryl. One particularly impactful line, “I felt looked at,”delivered with deep emotional weight, resonates throughout the film.
Supporting performances by actors such as Daniel Zovatto, Nicolette Robinson, and Tony Hale complement the narrative, but the portrayal of Amy by Autumn Best stands out as especially poignant. Best’s performance captures Amy’s trauma while reflecting her struggle for survival in the face of Alcala’s menace.
Directed through Kendrick’s lens, the narrative emphasizes the experiences of multiple victims, shedding light on their stories rather than focusing solely on Alcala.
Comprehensive Emotional Impact
More than merely depicting a criminal case, Woman of the Hour intricately weaves the narratives of the affected women. It scrutinizes the vulnerabilities and open-heartedness that led Rodney Alcala to his victims, ultimately highlighting how these traits became their undoing.
The film reveals the lasting consequences of these traumatic encounters in the lives of women who made it out alive. For instance, Laura, who lost her friend to Alcala, grapples with disillusionment towards a justice system that failed her. Amy navigates the aftermath of her assault and is forced to play into her attacker’s hands for her safety. Cheryl, too, retreats from her acting career, opting instead for a quieter life.
While the film portrays the disturbing nature of Alcala’s crimes, it simultaneously reflects the pervasive fear and mistrust many women carry as a result. Overall, Woman of the Hour serves as a vital narrative, presenting a heavy yet thought-provoking experience.
Viewers can stream Woman of the Hour now on Netflix.
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