I’m really excited for Anna Kendrick’s upcoming film Woman of the Hour, which is based on one of the most improbable true stories I’ve ever heard. There have been plenty of films “based on a true story” over the years, with the biopic genre in particular turning countless real stories into cinematic fables. One of the most bizarre true TV stories ever is coming to screens soon, thanks to Anna Kendrick, who moves into the director’s chair for the latest film “based on a true story.”

Kendrick stars in Woman of the Hour as aspiring actress Cheryl Bradshaw, who agrees to go on The Dating Game at the suggestion of her agent. Woman of the Hour is a big step for Anna Kendrick, giving her the chance to act and direct the film. One of the potential bachelors isn’t what he appears to be though, setting off a tense film that’s been earning rave reviews. I’m really excited to see the film for lots of reasons, especially because the premise is based on one of the wildest TV game show stories ever.

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Anna Kendrick’s Woman Of The Hour Is Based On The Story Of Serial Killer Rodney Alcala

How A Real-Life Killer’s Game Show Appearance Inspired Woman Of The Hour

Woman of the Hour is based on a true story about a real-life serial killer who appeared on TV, and I still can’t believe it actually happened. At the heart of Woman of the Hour is the story of Rodney Alcala, a serial killer in the 1970s. This was an era of infamous murderers like the Zodiac Killer and Ted Bundy, who’ve also gotten films focused on them. That’s what makes the story of Rodney so surprising, as the unique circumstances of his story make it an ideal story to adapt for the big screen.

Amid a killing spree that would eventually get Alcala arrested, the killer appeared as a guest on The Dating Game. He even won a date with the titular “woman of the hour,” Cheryl Bradshaw. In real life, Cheryl decided against going on a date with Alcala, although the trailer for Woman of the Hour suggests some liberties may have been taken with that aspect of the story, as Kendrick’s version of Bradshaw is seen speaking with Alcala over dinner. However, these changes seem to be in service of an impressive film.

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Woman Of The Hour Already Has Great Reviews

Woman Of The Hour Has Earned A 90% Score On Rotten Tomatoes

Woman of the Hour is the directorial debut of Anna Kendrick, and it’s already been earning rave reviews on the festival circuit. At the time of this writing, the film boasts an impressive 90% on Rotten Tomatoes. It’s great for fans of Kendrick like me, who’ve been ecstatic seeing her career develop after a truly fantastic performance in 2009’s Up in the Air. I’m especially excited to see Kendrick stepping into the director’s role for the film, with the reviews for Woman of the Hour suggesting she’s developed a real skill behind the camera.

The reviews describe the film as a tight thriller underscored by the inherent dangers awaiting Cheryl as a woman in 20th-century society. Given her experience as an actor, it makes sense Kendrick could draw out impressive performances from her cast. I’m more excited though to see how she handles the film’s narrative and visuals, the latter of which many reviews have singled out as some of the film’s best elements. Netflix has acquired the streaming rights for Woman of the Hour, and I’ll definitely be one of the first people to check it out as soon as it hits streaming.

Woman of the Hour

3.0

Based on the true story of Cheryl Bradshaw, Woman of the Hour is a crime drama-thriller film and marks the directorial debut of Anna Kendrick. The film retells the events on a 1978 taping episode of “The Dating Game.” It explains how Bradshaw narrowly avoided a deadly encounter with a serial killer who appeared on the reality television show.

Director

Anna Kendrick

Release Date

September 8, 2023

Distributor(s)

Netflix

Writers

Ian MacAllister McDonald

Cast

Anna Kendrick , Daniel Zovatto , Nicolette Robinson , Tony Hale , Kathryn Gallagher , Kelley Jakle , Autumn Best