Woman of the Hour

Woman of the Hour
Starring Anna Kendrick, Daniel Zovatto, Nicolette Robinson, Tony Hale
Directed by Anna Kendrick

I'm a huge true crime fan, and I've heard the story of "The Dating Game Killer" Rodney Alcala, who went on the classic game show in 1978 despite already having murdered numerous women. He would go on to win that show and score a date with Cheryl Bradshaw, but fortunately for her she never followed through with their vacation, leading Rodney feeling rejected and continuing his murder spree until he was eventually caught and imprisoned for his crimes - even though he was only charged with eight confirmed deaths when he could've been responsible for up to 130. First-time director Anna Kendrick tackles the story in "Woman of the Hour," but also touches on misogyny both then and now, and how women aren't usually heard like they're supposed to.

Throughout the 1970s, Rodney Alcala (Daniel Zovatto) went on a string of murders, killing women in different states while evading capture. Meanwhile, Cheryl Bradshaw (Anna Kendrick) is an aspiring actress who lands a gig as a single woman in the hit television game show "The Dating Game." The two will cross paths when Rodney is put on the show, forever intertwining their lives.

Anna Kendrick is well known for her role in the hit "Pitch Perfect" series as well as lending her voice to the "Trolls" franchise, but has dabbled in more serious roles like "A Simple Plan" and "Up in the Air" (the latter earning herself an Oscar nomination for). "Woman of the Year" is her most dramatic outing, however, and is heightened by the true story it tells - not just about Rodney Alcala, but how women throughout history have been mistreated and unheard in a male-dominated society.

The film takes place mostly in 1978, as Cheryl tries to make it big in Hollywood, but the men around her don't see much worth in her due to her homely appearance. She is alone save for one male friend who keeps trying to sleep with her, and she ultimately agrees to "The Dating Game" in hopes of being seen. The show itself is a lion's den of misogyny, with the host throwing out sexist remarks like its nothing, and having the questions for the bachelors center around sexual innuendos. One of those contestants is Rodney Alcala, who has already murdered numerous women, and who's appearance on the show eventually led to his real-life arrest.

The story delves deeper than Alcala, and focuses on how women have been silenced in their lives. There's a subplot involving an audience member named Laura who recognizes Alcala and goes to the security of the show, only to be led in circles. Even her boyfriend doesn't believe her, and when she finally goes to the police, they too ignore her pleas. Alcala had murdered her friend a year earlier, and she hasn't gotten his face out of her mind - yet when she tries to go for help to the men around her, no one will listen.

The same goes for Cheryl, as she rebuffs her friend's advancements but is treated to him keeping pushing the issue, and encountering sexist producers she auditions for talking about her boob size in front of her. It's interesting that we've come a long way in terms of female empowerment, but still have a ways to go, as even now they oftentimes go unheard when it comes to their cries for help.

The movie hops from year to year, focusing on the women that Alcala abducts and murders, and shows the depravity he encases. Daniel Zovatto excels as Alcala, giving off a charming vibe in one second then turning totally feral the next. Something Kendrick focuses on here is facial expressions, and we see that numerous times with the three central characters. Cheryl is reserved but resolved; Rodney is a chameleon; Laura is frightened. It's interesting to see how Kendrick uses the faces in the film to tell their own story.

Showcasing herself as a strong up-and-coming director, Anna Kendrick excels both behind of and in front of the camera in "Woman of the Hour," focusing the story not just on Alcala's murders but the misogyny women faced in the 70s - and still do today.

The Score: B+