Released October 18, 2024, Anna Kendrick’s “Woman of the Hour” is a refreshing addition to the true crime genre. With dramatized shows like Ryan Murphy’s “Monster” series and other true crime podcasts making spectacles out of real victims to turn a profit, the true crime genre has become an exploitative industry. “Woman of the Hour” lacks the same exploitative nature, focusing on the victims and not making a spectacle of their murders. It tells the story of Sheryl Bradshaw, a contestant on “The Dating Game,” who ended up being matched with a serial killer, Rodney Alcala. The movie depicts both Sheryl’s experience on the dating show and Rodney’s killing spree throughout the country.
Something I appreciated about this movie is how Kendrick chose not to display violence against these women but rather to use the suspense before the act to convey what would happen. For example, there is a great scene of him taking pictures of one of his victims in the desert as she slowly realizes what his true intentions are. You sometimes see snippets of action, but they are quick and obscured. As an avid horror fan, I found this more effective than on-screen gore. Often, these scenes get very gross quickly, making the experience unenjoyable. Suspense is not only a lot less disturbing but is a lot more effective at keeping the viewer captivated.
The actors were very talented, and the visuals were excellent. It is set in 1970s LA, so it is very colorful, and you can tell the set designers had fun with it. The actresses who portrayed the victims did a great job of bringing those women to life, highlighting their humanity and personal stories. The actor who played Rodney was also incredibly talented and gave a chilling, quite unsettling performance.
It was clear that Kendrick wanted to be very intentional and respectful with her portrayal, highlighting the repercussions of his crimes more than indulging in the gory details. She did not make a penny off of the film, as she is donating all profits to RAINN (Rape, Abuse, and Incest National Network) and the National Center for Victims of Violent Crimes.
In terms of a horror film, I don’t know if I would classify it as that intense, it’s much more of a thriller. It also is not like typical true crime movies that dive into the details of the case and the killer’s motivations, and it is a very victim-centric film. I personally appreciated that, but if you are more interested in the details of the case, a documentary would be the way to go. It is an excellent movie if you want to get into true crime with something tasteful or enjoy a tamer, more narrative-based thriller movie.