Anna Kendrick has officially stepped behind the camera with her directorial debut, Woman of the Hour, and the newly released Netflix teaser promises an eerie, unsettling experience. This thriller, based on the true story of Rodney Alcala—a serial killer who shockingly appeared on The Dating Game in the midst of his murder spree—has been generating a lot of buzz since its premiere at the 2023 Toronto International Film Festival. With its official Netflix release date set for October 18th, Woman of the Hour is shaping up to be one of this fall's must-watch films.
The teaser offers a glimpse into the film's tense atmosphere, focusing not on Alcala's chilling game show appearance but rather on the date that followed his “win.” In the 1970s, Alcala posed as a photographer to lure women into his deadly trap, and his audacity in appearing on national television adds a deeply disturbing layer to the story. Kendrick, who also stars as Cheryl Bradshaw—the woman who unknowingly chose Alcala as her date—brings an authentic intensity to the role.
Woman of the Hour Poster
Kendrick's shift into directing shows promise, and Woman of the Hour tackles its complex subject matter with a thoughtful and unnerving approach. The cast also includes Daniel Zovatto (It Follows) as Alcala, whose performance captures the chilling arrogance of a man who believed he could operate with impunity. The supporting cast—Nicolette Robinson, Tony Hale, and Kathryn Gallagher—rounds out the film's strong ensemble.
The screenplay, written by Ian MacAllister McDonald, masterfully weaves together moments of horror, suspense, and social commentary. As the teaser suggests, Woman of the Hour isn't just about one twisted individual; it's a reflection on a society that allowed Alcala to continue his reign of terror. With the film set to stream on Netflix in the U.S. and get theatrical releases in other countries, Woman of the Hour is sure to leave a lasting impression on viewers.
October 18th can't come soon enough. Are you ready to dive into this dark chapter of real-life horror?
