By Anthony Caruso
Woman of the Hour is a fascinating true story brought to life as a tense and tight thriller, and it marks an impressive directorial debut by Anna Kendrick. The film is an engaging retelling of the chilling events surrounding real-life serial killer Rodney Alcala, and Kendrick manages to capture both the terror and the bizarre nature of Alcala's crimes in a way that feels fresh and compelling.
Kendrick herself is wonderfully energetic and charismatic in the role of Cheryl Bradshaw, the unsuspecting bachelorette who came face-to-face with Alcala on "The Dating Game". Her "girl next door" charm, which has always been one of her defining traits, works perfectly here, making her portrayal both relatable and sympathetic. Watching her navigate the unsettling tension of the situation keeps the audience on edge throughout. Daniel Zovatto, meanwhile, is equally remarkable, delivering a performance as Alcala that is both unnerving and oddly charming. He strikes a chilling balance between charisma and danger, making Alcala’s ability to deceive those around him all the more terrifying. Zovatto’s portrayal of Alcala as a charismatic predator is one of the film’s highlights, and Zovatto's performance adds layers of suspense to every scene he’s in.
At its core, Woman of the Hour is a gripping and disturbing exploration of how Alcala used his charm to hide his monstrous nature, and the film’s pacing keeps the tension high throughout. It’s an entertaining, compelling, and frightening watch that never feels too exploitative, instead focusing on the psychological dynamics of both predator and prey. Kendrick’s direction is tight, ensuring that every moment serves to either build character or heighten suspense.
In short, Woman of the Hour is a fantastic debut for Anna Kendrick as a director - and proof that she's just as talented behind the camera as in front of it - and a must-watch for fans of true crime thrillers. It's a deeply engaging film, with standout performances and a story about random chance and random encounters with danger that will stick with you long after the credits roll. I definitely recommend this one! (It's even frightening enough that while, not a traditional "Spooky Season" film, is one you can count as one of your annual Halloween watches this year!)