The famed actress’ strong directorial debut arrives on Netflix today and should be at the top of your watchlist.
Let’s be honest: In recent years, Netflix’s original film slate has featured more forgettable films than memorable ones. However, the streamer has turned a corner lately by offering strong (and thrilling) original films that don’t leave the mind quickly after the credits role. Starting back in September with the excellent Rebel Ridge to the twisty It’s What’s Inside a couple of weeks ago and now Woman of The Hour debuting on the platform today, the streamer has some good mojo going. But what’s different about Woman of the Hour that will cause it to linger with you for longer than the film’s runtime (89 minutes before the film cuts to black) compared to the previously mentioned films is how it tackles its subject material.. And the result makes for being one of the streamer’s very best films in quite some time that is sure to stir conversation in the days/weeks to follow its release.
Based on the serial killer who appeared on The Dating Game in the late 70s, Woman of the Hour follows the victims of the serial killer’s murder spree before and after appearing on the show. In addition to this, we follow the female contestant who appeared on the game show, Cheryl Bradshaw (Anna Kendrick), who is trying to get her big break after moving to Los Angeles.
Viewers may already be familiar with the story of this serial killer who appeared on a game show. But regardless of whether you do or do not know the story, from the start, Woman of the Hour sends a chill down your spine that stays with you throughout the film; it’s somewhat reminiscent of David Fincher’s 2007 Zodiac. The viewer might know what’s coming; but Anna Kendrick behind the camera keeps us on the edge of our seats, as a sense of dread is attached to the victims we’re shown throughout the film. And as we watch true horror unravel in front of our very eyes, we wait in anticipation for some kind of justice to be brought to bear on the evil individual.
By focusing on the victims rather than the serial killer (played by an excellent Daniel Zovatto), Woman of the Hour flips the true crime genre upside down by tackling topics like toxic masculinity and the flaws within our country’s justice system. It also helps that the film focuses quite a bit of time on Anna Kendrick’s Cheryl, the main female in the film, who becomes a prime example of someone whose aspirations of becoming something more are thwarted when she unknowingly getting caught up in the wrong situation at the wrong time.
While the previews and marketing for Woman of the Hour make it appear to be the next big true crime story that will dissect the serial killer’s motives, this is much more than merely a film about someone doing evil things as compared to other true crime adaptations. By focusing on the victims and topics that were just as relevant then as they are to this day, Anna Kendrick makes her mark as a great actress who also has delivered an intelligent film film and one that will keep her on our radar for her future projects behind the camera.