“Woman of the Hour”
Directed by Anna Kendrick, written by Ian McDonald and produced by Roy Lee, Miri Yoon, J. D. Lifshitz, Raphael Margules, Sean Patrick O’Reilly.
Starring: Anna Kendrick, Daniel Zovatto, Nicolette Robinson, Tony Hale
“Woman of the Hour” is a gripping crime thriller marking the directorial debut of actress Anna Kendrick, with a screenplay by Ian McDonald. The film is based on real-life events, centering on the chilling story of Rodney Alcala, a notorious serial killer who shockingly appeared on the television show “The Dating Game” in 1978, all while in the midst of his killing spree. Kendrick takes on the role of Cheryl Bradshaw, an aspiring actress who, seeking fame, participates in the show and chooses Alcala as her date. Unbeknownst to her at the time, Alcala had already claimed the lives of five women. His unsettling appearance on the episode later earned him the nickname “The Dating Game Killer”. Kendrick’s direction is impressive, with strong performances across the board, including Daniel Zovatto’s haunting portrayal of Alcala. The film also vividly captures the atmosphere of 1970s Los Angeles, adding to its immersive quality. The story is both shocking and captivating, expertly translated to the screen, and it skillfully addresses themes of misogyny and violence. It’s an intense watch, and I thoroughly enjoyed every moment, praising Kendrick’s successful leap into directing. Highly recommended—don’t miss it!
♦ 7,5/10
Dimitris Zacharopoulos
