As a seasoned movie critic with a lifetime of watching films that span from the black and white era to the latest streaming releases, I must say that Anna Kendrick’s directorial debut in “Woman of the Hour” is nothing short of astonishing. The Pitch Perfect actress has proven yet again that she’s not just another pretty face; she’s a force to be reckoned with behind the camera as well.
In a career shift, Anna Kendrick, famously known for her role in Pitch Perfect, is venturing into a new role – that of a film director. She will be making her directorial debut with an upcoming thriller titled “The Dating Game Killer,” which is inspired by the chilling true story of Rodney Alcala. In addition to directing, Kendrick will also be portraying Cheryl Bradshaw, the contestant who selected Alcala as her suitor during an episode of The Dating Game in 1978. Kendrick has openly expressed that stepping behind the camera for this film has been a “terrifying” experience.
Initially, I wasn’t slated to direct “Woman of the Hour”; instead, I was set as the lead actress and a producer. However, the production process seemed unending, and the pieces just wouldn’t fall into place. Frustratingly, we couldn’t find an experienced director, leaving me with a chilling thought: “Maybe it’s time for me to step up.
As a seasoned film enthusiast with years of immersing myself in cinema, I’ve often pondered about stepping behind the camera and directing my own movie. However, the thought that recently crossed my mind has been absolutely nerve-wracking – it was like an uncontrollable bubble ready to burst at any moment. I kept trying to push it back down, but every time I entertained the idea of pitching myself as a director, fear would resurface. This notion is both exhilarating and terrifying, as I contemplate the challenges that lie ahead and the potential rewards if I were given the opportunity.
Ultimately, Kendrick found the role too “compelling” to pass up. She adds:
I found the entire film intriguing, not just the character, but the storyline as well. Even though I admired the character, I couldn’t help but be more captivated by the movie overall. For two years, I was constantly thinking, ‘If this were my movie, I would approach it differently.’ But since it isn’t, I can only imagine how I would change it. The thought of molding a script I adore into my vision got me really excited.
A New Trailer & Images From Woman of the Hour Have Now Been Released
Following a nerve-wracking pitch, Kendrick found herself in the director’s seat feeling as petrified as she had ever been over anything. However, her determination has proven fruitful. The show titled Woman of the Hour debuted last year at the Toronto International Film Festival and was swiftly snapped up by Netflix, marking a significant first in festival sales. Currently, Woman of the Hour boasts an impressive 90% rating on Rotten Tomatoes (based on 51 reviews), with critics lauding Kendrick’s directorial prowess and Daniel Zovatto’s “chilling” portrayal of Alcala. A new trailer for the film has been unveiled (which you can watch above), while Entertainment Weekly has also shared several new images from the movie, which are available to view below.
In a twist of irony, Rodney Alcala, who made an appearance on ‘The Dating Game’ despite his past as a sex offender, was eventually sentenced to death due to multiple murder convictions. Interestingly, one of the potential dates he was chosen by, Bradshaw, found him disturbing and didn’t end up going out with him, proving her intuition correct. Although connected to eight murders, the exact number of his victims remains uncertain and could potentially reach as many as 130. Contrary to popular belief, the film doesn’t delve into Alcala’s ‘The Dating Game’ appearance; instead, Kendrick considers this part of the story to be the least intriguing.
In the movie, the storyline employs a show to delve into the query of distinguishing trustworthy and untrustworthy individuals. Although the plot unfolds in the late ’70s (when Alcala was caught in 1979), this topic remains relevant and relatable for many women.
Reflecting on our societal norms, I’ve noticed that there’s an undercurrent of victim blaming. It’s not uncommon for even the most compassionate individuals to casually remark things like, “You really should have been more careful about those early warning signs.” While it may seem innocuous at first glance, it’s a sentiment that gives me pause, reminding me of a deep, unsettling growl.
The Show “Woman of the Hour” Debuts on Netflix on October 18, Perfectly Timed for Halloween. Remember, there’s nothing more chilling than true-to-life terror.
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2024-09-17 17:02