Woman of the Hour (2024) Opinion: A Bold Portrayal of a Dark Chapter in True Crime

Woman of the Hour (2024) marks Anna Kendrick’s ambitious directorial debut, bringing a chilling true-crime story to the screen. Known as the “Dating Game Killer,” Rodney Alcala’s notorious appearance on The Dating Game serves as the backdrop for this tense thriller, which tackles issues of systemic sexism and society’s fascination with charm and charisma despite darker undertones. Kendrick, who also stars as Cheryl Bradshaw, explores the broader consequences of Alcala’s actions and the 1970s’ dismissive attitudes toward women’s safety.

What’s After the Movie offers a detailed movie page for Woman of the Hour, featuring quizzes, summaries, and links to platforms like Rotten Tomatoes, Metacritic, and IMDB to provide additional perspectives.

A Complex and Layered True Crime Adaptation

Kendrick’s approach to Woman of the Hour differs from the typical true-crime formula. Instead of focusing solely on Alcala’s crimes, Kendrick brings to the fore the broader cultural factors that enabled him, with the Dating Game appearance as an ironic twist on charm and deception. Critics like Matthew Jackson from The Huntsville Item (TX) praised the film as “one of the best true crime feature films to come along in quite some time,” noting Kendrick’s attention to societal critique.

Tatat Bunnag of the Bangkok Post also highlighted Kendrick’s choice to avoid explicit violence, instead focusing on the aftermath to convey the horror. This decision enhances the impact without veering into gratuitous territory, making Woman of the Hour both disturbing and thought-provoking.

Key Themes in Woman of the Hour

The Power of Perception and the “Male Gaze”

Kendrick explores how Alcala’s seemingly harmless exterior masked his true nature, a common danger women face. Alcala’s disarming charm becomes a tool for manipulation, as seen in his Dating Game appearance where he wins a date despite an unsettling aura. Kendrick captures this duality well, showing how easily charisma and appearance can disguise a more sinister reality.

Wendy Ide of The Observer (UK) noted Kendrick’s keen attention to period detail, from the psychedelic 1970s fashion to the subtly embedded sexism. Ide emphasized how Kendrick effectively captures the “treacherous sexism” hardwired into that era’s entertainment industry, highlighting how societal norms left women vulnerable.

A Feminist Lens on True Crime

One of Kendrick’s major achievements is her feminist perspective on this story. Rather than centering the killer’s narrative, she focuses on Cheryl and other women, underscoring the importance of trusting intuition and setting boundaries. Critic Rachel Ulatowski from The Mary Sue called Woman of the Hour “a film that accurately captures what it means to be a woman,” a sentiment that resonates in scenes where Cheryl senses danger and carefully navigates her interactions with Alcala.

This approach has sparked debate. Aaron Neuwirth from We Live Entertainment praised the film as a “bold and unflinching take,” but others felt the feminist angle overshadowed aspects of Alcala’s horror story. Max Fainaru-Wada from Willamette Week suggested that Kendrick’s direction lacked the suspenseful depth to fully capture Alcala’s terrifying legacy, though he acknowledged her skill in addressing gender dynamics.

Criticisms: Nonlinear Structure and Pacing

Not all critics agreed on Kendrick’s narrative structure. Some found the film’s timeline disorienting, jumping between Alcala’s various crimes, Cheryl’s Dating Game experience, and other women’s interactions with Alcala. Neal Pollack from Book & Film Globe felt the frequent time jumps detracted from the story’s cohesion, while Bilge Ebiri of Vulture suggested the circular structure prevented the film from fully achieving its thematic potential.

Still, this disjointed narrative is intentional, reflecting the fragmented experiences of Alcala’s victims and the emotional disarray that follows trauma. For those who may find the structure confusing, What’s After the Movie provides a timeline and plot summary to clarify the sequence of events.

Reception and Critical Perspectives

Kendrick’s performance as Cheryl Bradshaw has garnered mixed reviews, with some critics finding her portrayal slightly flat. However, James Berardinelli of ReelViews argued that Kendrick’s restrained performance reflects Cheryl’s survival instincts, subtly portraying the discomfort and unease many women face in precarious situations. Cheryl’s quiet strength is especially evident in a scene where she signals a waitress not to bring another round, sensing Alcala’s danger—a tense moment that exemplifies Kendrick’s ability to convey fear without words.

Daniel Zovatto as Rodney Alcala

As Alcala, Daniel Zovatto offers a chilling portrayal that captures the serial killer’s charm and menace. Critics like Leo Brady from AMovieGuy.com lauded Zovatto’s performance, noting that he “evokes comparisons to well-crafted true crime films like Zodiac.” By blending Alcala’s soft-spoken charm with moments of unnerving intensity, Zovatto’s portrayal adds depth to the narrative, making viewers question how such a dangerous individual could blend into society.

Lee Zumpe of Tampa Bay Newspapers pointed out that Zovatto’s Alcala embodies the “rampant sexism and wildly inappropriate behavior” that plagued the 1970s, subtly reflecting a historical context that allowed men like Alcala to operate unchecked.

Social Commentary on Misogyny and Society’s Failures

Beyond depicting Alcala’s crimes, Woman of the Hour provides social commentary on how deeply rooted sexism enabled him. The film highlights the toxic attitudes of the time, especially in the entertainment industry, where women were often objectified and ignored. This theme resonates in scenes featuring Cheryl’s interactions with men who underestimate her, demonstrating that Alcala’s manipulation was just one symptom of a larger societal problem.

Critic Lynn Venhaus from the Webster-Kirkwood Times observed that Kendrick and screenwriter Ian McDonald “focus on the bigger picture—that women were often undervalued and objectified.” Kendrick captures the uneasy atmosphere of a world that too often ignored female voices, subtly questioning if society has truly changed since then.

Audience Reactions: A Divisive Debut

Audience responses to Woman of the Hour have been varied. Many viewers praised Kendrick for focusing on the female experience, while others wished the film delved deeper into Alcala’s psychology. Some viewers, like Joe Friar of the Fort Worth Report, appreciated Kendrick’s decision to focus on the victims, while BlueBird84 on IMDb argued that the film “felt like a series of frustrating short films,” missing a cohesive narrative.

Despite the polarizing opinions, Kendrick’s direction has been largely praised. Robert Levin from Newsday called Woman of the Hour “a movie made with smarts and vision,” while Tim Robey from The Daily Telegraph (UK) lauded Kendrick’s “shivery undertow,” acknowledging that even with its flaws, the film remains a compelling and promising debut.

Comparing Woman of the Hour to Other True Crime Films

True crime films often face criticism for sensationalizing violence, but Woman of the Hour takes a more restrained approach. By minimizing graphic scenes, Kendrick invites viewers to consider the systemic issues surrounding Alcala’s actions rather than focusing solely on the killer. Critics like Simon Miraudo from Movie Squad felt that Kendrick’s approach was “ingenious,” while others compared it to Monster and Zodiac, films that similarly prioritize character depth over spectacle.

For those interested in exploring similar movies, What’s After the Movie offers a curated list of films that emphasize nuanced storytelling over sensationalism, showcasing other directors who’ve taken creative approaches to true crime.

Final Thoughts: A True Crime Film with Substance and Style

Woman of the Hour may not satisfy every true crime enthusiast, but it offers a refreshing take on the genre by centering on societal critique rather than sensationalizing violence. Kendrick’s direction, while not flawless, marks a strong beginning, suggesting a promising future as a filmmaker unafraid to address difficult topics.

If you’re looking for more insights into Woman of the Hour and other crime-based films, What’s After the Movie is your go-to source for in-depth analyses, character breakdowns, and exclusive quizzes. For deeper explorations, check out our blog, where we dive into the hidden layers and ethical dilemmas in today’s most talked-about films.

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For a true-crime thriller that dares to challenge convention and probe society’s darker facets, Woman of the Hour is a thought-provoking addition to the genre. With powerful performances, a strong feminist perspective, and a subtle critique of the entertainment industry, Kendrick’s debut delivers on multiple levels, leaving viewers with much to ponder.