The Haunting Power of “Woman of the Hour” – A Look Into Anna Kendrick’s Directorial Debut

- By Sentel 

Ever had a movie stick with you long after the credits roll? That’s exactly what happened when I first saw Anna Kendrick's gripping directorial debut Woman of the Hour at the Toronto International Film Festival in 2023. It's been a year, and I can still feel its haunting presence. Inspired by the chilling true story of serial killer Rodney Alcala—who, shockingly, appeared as a contestant on The Dating Game in 1978—the film delivers both spine-tingling suspense and a sharp critique of societal norms. And trust me, Kendrick’s vision takes you on a rollercoaster of emotions, touching on the dangerous interplay between perception, performance, and control.

A Chilling Tale Through the Female Lens

Written by Ian McDonald, Woman of the Hour explores the power of being “seen” versus simply being “looked at.” Kendrick doesn’t just act; she directs with a keen curiosity that delves into the idea of the male gaze—both human and cinematic. As Sheryl, an aspiring actress and the unlucky contestant paired with Alcala, she masterfully captures the tension between feeling watched and feeling truly seen. This dynamic plays out visually and emotionally as we follow her uncomfortable, unsettling experiences.

In the film's eerie opening, we meet one of Alcala's victims, caught within the lens of his camera before her tragic demise. He commands her to "forget there's a camera here"—a chilling reminder of how predators manipulate appearances to disarm and dominate. And Kendrick’s depiction of Alcala, played by Daniel Zovatto, perfectly encapsulates this duality: his eyes, which first seem full of empathy, quickly turn cold and predatory.

Interactive Element: Have you ever experienced a situation where someone’s outward appearance masked a darker intent? Share your thoughts below—let's start a conversation on this common, but often unspoken, experience.

Navigating a Minefield of Performances

Throughout the movie, we see how Sheryl and other female characters have to “perform” in a world that often demands they smile and play nice to avoid escalating tensions. A particularly unsettling moment comes when Sheryl’s game show host, Ed Burke (played by Tony Hale), bombards her with casual misogyny and racism, urging her not to “scare off the bachelors” with her intelligence. We’ve all been there—smiling through gritted teeth in the face of blatant disrespect, just trying to keep the peace.

Amy (played by Autumn Best), a teenage runaway who narrowly escapes Alcala, also navigates this fragile dance between humor and survival. Her laughter and light-hearted deflection are tools she uses to stay safe—a grim reflection of the realities women face every day.

Poll: How often do you feel pressured to “perform” in social or professional settings?

• Always
• Often
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• Rarely

The Duality of Being Seen

The idea of being truly “seen” runs through Woman of the Hour, most notably in three key moments involving female characters locking eyes with others during tense situations. First, Laura, one of the game show’s contestants, believes Alcala is the same man who killed her friend a year before. She tries to warn Sheryl, but her message gets lost in the bright lights and chaos of the set. Later, Sheryl shares a brief, silent exchange with a cocktail waitress, signaling for help. And in the final act, Amy, trapped in Alcala's car, pleads with a passerby through her gaze—only to be ignored.

This silent communication between women, particularly in moments of fear, is a powerful theme Kendrick weaves throughout the film. It resonates with many, especially women who have found themselves in similar situations of subtle but deeply felt danger.

Question to Readers: Have you ever exchanged a look with someone that spoke volumes? What did it say? Share your story in the comments below.

The Bigger Picture: Society’s Role in Enabling Violence

What sets Kendrick’s film apart from other serial killer thrillers, like David Fincher’s Zodiac, is its critique of the very structures that enable men like Alcala. Kendrick doesn’t revel in the violence but instead highlights the everyday moments of discomfort and subtle menace that women often endure. A touch on the neck here, a dismissive remark there—it’s all part of a larger, more dangerous system of normalized misogyny.

She spares us from glorifying Alcala’s brutal acts, cutting away before violence becomes voyeuristic. Instead, she draws attention to the everyday sexism that paves the way for such violence, making viewers painfully aware of their own role as spectators. Kendrick reminds us that violence against women isn't just about the extreme acts—it’s rooted in the small, insidious behaviors we encounter daily.

Call to Action: Let’s change the narrative. How do you think we can challenge everyday sexism and create safer environments for women? Drop your suggestions below!

Closing Thoughts: A Must-See Thriller With a Message

Woman of the Hour will keep you on the edge of your seat, but it will also make you think. It’s a powerful reminder of how society, media, and cultural norms can allow predators to thrive. Kendrick’s debut is more than just a thriller—it’s a wake-up call.

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