X
In Theaters Now
- 2024
- R
- Netflix
- 1 h 35 m
- 2024
- R
- Netflix
- 1 h 35 m
Summary The stranger-than-fiction story of an aspiring actress in 1970s Los Angeles and a serial killer in the midst of a yearslong murder spree, whose lives intersect when they’re cast on an episode of The Dating Game.
Directed By: Anna Kendrick
Written By: Ian MacAllister McDonald
In Theaters Now
- 2024
- R
- Netflix
- 1 h 35 m
- 2024
- R
- Netflix
- 1 h 35 m
Woman of the Hour
74
6.4
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Summary The stranger-than-fiction story of an aspiring actress in 1970s Los Angeles and a serial killer in the midst of a yearslong murder spree, whose lives intersect when they’re cast on an episode of The Dating Game.
Directed By: Anna Kendrick
Written By: Ian MacAllister McDonald
Where to Watch
Not available in your country?
ExpressVPN
Get 3 Extra months free
$6.67/mth
Top Cast
Metascore
Generally Favorable
Based on 35 Critic Reviews
74
83% Positive
29 Reviews
29 Reviews
17% Mixed
6 Reviews
6 Reviews
0% Negative
0 Reviews
0 Reviews
Metascore
Generally Favorable
Based on 35 Critic Reviews
74
83% Positive
29 Reviews
29 Reviews
17% Mixed
6 Reviews
6 Reviews
0% Negative
0 Reviews
0 Reviews
Kendrick has made a slick ’70s-set thriller about a serial killer whose reign of terror lasted a decade.
Kendrick leans more into the dark comedy and general dread of the situation, winding the picture tighter the deeper she goes, and her work here is ambitious and impressive.
User Score
Generally Favorable
Based on 76 User Ratings
6.4
59% Positive
45 Ratings
45 Ratings
29% Mixed
22 Ratings
22 Ratings
12% Negative
9 Ratings
9 Ratings
User Score
Generally Favorable
Based on 76 User Ratings
6.4
59% Positive
45 Ratings
45 Ratings
29% Mixed
22 Ratings
22 Ratings
12% Negative
9 Ratings
9 Ratings
Woman Of The Hour
Woman of the Hour is a crime thriller inspired by the chilling true story of serial killer Rodney Alcala. The film follows a struggling actress who, in a twist of fate, becomes a contestant on the popular TV show The Dating Game. Among the three bachelors vying for her attention is none other than Alcala himself, hiding behind a charming façade as Bachelor Number 3. What begins as a lighthearted game show appearance soon turns into a dangerous encounter, with her unknowingly stepping into the orbit of a notorious killer.
Anna Kendrick pulls double duty as both lead actress and director, delivering a tour de force in this thriller. Through the lens of a real-life serial killer case, Kendrick skillfully explores themes of misogyny—both societal and systemic—while capturing the pervasive dread women face. Her direction brings a sharp and unsettling edge to the story.
The pacing is expertly crafted, and the seamless switch between timelines builds toward a powerful and satisfying conclusion. What truly stands out is the film's delicate handling of violence. In stories about real-life crimes, there’s often a risk of exploitation, but here the depiction is measured and purposeful, avoiding unnecessary sensationalism. The balance strikes a rare and commendable restraint, allowing the gravity of the subject matter to resonate without crossing into excess.
Anna Kendrick and Daniel Zovatto adequately lead this movie, with Daniel's portrayal oozing charm and evil. But the star here is Autumn Best who delivers a beautiful performance as the hero of the movie.
Woman of the Hour serves as a stark reminder that behind charm and charisma, unspeakable evil can hide in plain sight. It also sheds light on how society, both in the past and today, can enable predators to thrive. The film explores the unsettling truth of how these individuals slip through the cracks, highlighting the complicity and blind spots that still exist in modern culture.
9/10
Report
This is an acutely observed, well-judged, and original take on a popular genre. That it’s also a directorial debut is extremely impressive.
Woman of the Hour will surely send many looking up this stranger-than-fiction story. But Kendrick’s achievement is in capturing, from a woman’s point of view, just how hard it can be to pick a serial killer out of an all-male line-up.
Anna Kendrick's directorial debut offers a refreshing twist on a tried and true formula by contextualizing a serial killer's wrath within the crueler misogynistic traditions that enable it.
By Francisca Tinoco
FULL REVIEW
It’s a promising debut for Kenrick behind the camera and Zovatto is excellent in front of it but it’s hard to shake the incomplete feeling that accompanies a viewing.
While showing good potential overall, Kendrick’s directorial debut is hindered by tonal imbalances and poor editing.
[SPOILER ALERT: This review contains spoilers.]
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Well shot with solid performances, but you always feel like something is missing. That, in my opinion, would be a lack of depth. This tries to be Once Upon a Time in Hollywood, but simply lacks the development that that film provides. In spite of this, I would still recommend watching.
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(Mauro Lanari)
Anna Kendrick's directorial debut hinges on a reasoning that is as aberrant as it is offensive. If you enjoy masochism, this film might be for you. Since most serial killers are male, then all males are potential serial killers. In the words of a line of dialogue: "I knew he was risky, but fùck it – everyone is risky". So we have the first criminology movie without the need for profiling experts. Switching to victimology and adopting the same exasperated polarization, one could argue the exact opposite: "I knew she was risky, but fùck it – everyone is risky". The 1970s setting is filled with women, graduates or not, knowledgeable about general relativity or not, yet naïve, blindly trusting others, stubbornly deluded by the goodness of others. Finally: what is the purpose of the non-linear narrative structure?
Report
Could have been great but can't help itself. All men are a risk and women are brilliant yet somehow also incredibly gullible and easily led. Next.
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Production Company
AGC Studios,
BondIt Media Capital,
Vertigo Entertainment,
BoulderLight Pictures
Release Date Oct 11, 2024
Duration 1 h 35 m
Rating R
Tagline In 1978, a serial killer appeared on live TV as a bachelor on The Dating Game. The only people who suspected were the women he pursued.
Awards
Palm Springs International Film Festival
• 1 Win & 1 Nomination