Netflix released a new film called “Woman of the Hour”. It stars and is also directed by award winning actress, Anna Kendrick. Along with actor Daniel Zovatto. Kendrick who is known for her usual bubbly characters, steps out of the box to bring attention to the get wrenching story of Rodney Alcala. The hour and a half film follow the finding of murderer Rodney Alcala (Zovatto) being a contestant on a 1970’s game show “The Dating Game” with inspiring actress Sheryll Bradshaw (Kendrick).
A quote that perfectly ties the film together is, “It’s amazing how one selfish a****** can f*** up your entire life.” In the 1970’s, Alcala had murder roughly murder 120 people. Not only does it show the gruesome and sad ways on how Alcala murder innocent women but also show how many women are underestimated not only in the real world but in show business.
The show itself encapsulates how many overlook the red flags that are shown when meeting new people. Back then people didn’t need to worry about someone’s character but nowhere in public is anyone truly safe. Alcala used his charisma and charm to trick his victim’s trust. On the other hand, Bradshaw was constantly criticized for her looks in the Hollywood’s eyes.
Throughout the film, it mirrors the acts and actions that both Alcala and Bradshaw had faced and or enforced. It truly captures the difference of how Alcala and Bradshaw were treated in the public eye. Not only did Bradshaw had to deal with people defaming her dream of becoming an actress but during the “Dating Game”, she had to ask demeaning and sexual questions to the contestants. With that being, Bradshaw was constantly told to charm the audience, and Alcala was worshipped for his towards the lucky winner Bradshaw.
Kendrick did an fantastic job in not only honor the innocent victims effected by Alcala’s murder spree but also shows how many women face backlash for their being in showbusiness.