It’s hard to believe Woman of the Hour premiered at the Toronto International Film Festival last September and is just now arriving on Netflix.
Set in 1978, the film follows Cheryl Bradshaw (Kendrick), an aspiring actress who unwittingly participates in a dating show featuring the charming yet dangerous Rodney Alcala (Daniel Zovatto), who is linked to multiple murders. While I often prefer narratives focusing on victims rather than killers, Woman of the Hour compellingly navigates Alcala’s perspective, illustrating his manipulative charm.
Kendrick expertly emphasizes this connection, particularly in a harrowing moment when Cheryl asks the male contestants, “Will you hurt me?” This line perfectly encapsulates the film’s exploration of vulnerability in a predatory world. Kendrick’s performances consistently resonate with authenticity, as seen in her previous projects, like ‘Alice, Darling’.
Overall, Woman of the Hour is not just a chilling tale—it’s a powerful exploration of charm and danger, and I’m excited to see where Kendrick’s directorial journey takes her next.
Letter Grade: B+
Welcome to The Wandering Screen with Matt Koss, my new YouTube series, where I will take you on a journey through the latest film releases and the vibrant landscape of the entertainment industry.
As an awards editor at AwardsFocus.com, I’ve had the privilege of covering red-carpet premieres and film festival screenings, interviewing talented creatives both in front of and behind the camera, and moderating Q&As with feature film directors in front of live audiences. This series is a perfect blend of armchair exploration and cinematic conversation, designed to help you discover what’s worth watching each week while also delving into current trends shaping the film world.
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