#REVIEW: “WOMAN OF THE HOUR”

By Mr. Will Wong

WOMAN OF THE HOUR is a story so sensational it just had to be true. Anna Kendrick not only stars, but also produces and directs this magnificent Thriller which premiered at TIFF ’23 to raves and already has garnered her an award at the Palm Springs International Film Festival.

Set in the late ’70s, this story based on true events sees Cheryl Bradshaw (Kendrick) struggling to make it as an Actress in Hollywood. And not for a lack of effort. She is auditioning, but just not getting the work as she’s being asked to wear less clothing or none at all. Cheryl is sent to appear on The Dating Game, meant as a move to get her some exposure, but yet again misogyny smells like a bad odour and the opportunity alas is slim pickings for her. By default, she lands on Bachelor #3 Rodney Alcala (Daniel Zovallo), whose story is told concurrently in flashbacks. He’s a rapist and serial killer who tortures his victims sadistically, reviving them repeatedly before killing them, ultimately going on to be coined THE DATING GAME KILLER. He is able to continue committing crimes for quite some time, without consequence.

WOMAN OF THE HOUR is paced to perfection. We already know Kendrick‘s brilliance as an Actor, but if this is any indication of the talent she’s been holding onto all along, the possibilities are limitless for her as she is equally skilled as a storyteller. The suspense is paralyzing as Rodney and Cheryl‘s paths are about to intersect late. Though we have an idea what happens in the end, Kendrick has a masterful way of taking us through the painstaking motions how Cheryl lives to tell this remarkable story.

But more than this, it is a frustrating look at how differently women see the world when the system is built through a male lens, making it unbearable for Cheryl to live her dream of making it in Hollywood. Yet at once, the system makes it very possible for Rodney to avoid capture for several years even with substantial evidence.

Kendrick is more than woman of the hour, she’s WOMAN OF THE WHOLE DAMN HOUR… and a half, firing on all fronts! This Film is unmissable.

VVS Films release WOMAN OF THE HOUR in theatres Friday, October 11, 2024.