Woman of the Hour – NETFLIX

As a seasoned film critic with a penchant for uncovering hidden gems and calling out the duds, I must say that “Woman of the Hour” is a gripping, thought-provoking, and chilling tale that will leave you questioning the world around you. The movie serves as a stark reminder of the misogyny that pervaded society in the 1970s, but also highlights the strength and resilience of women in the face of adversity.

Many people recall the cheesy dating show known as Blind Date, hosted by red-haired Cilla Black. Contestants would appear with their pre-written questions while three potential dates hid behind the screen, offering scripted, innuendo-filled responses. Our Editor’s appearance on the show was cut due to his humorous reply when asked how he’d persuade a contestant to participate in his favorite sport: “Well, I love football because there’s nothing I enjoy more than dribbling in the box before I shoot!” (Translation: He’s fired! – Ed). This American-imported format was titled ‘The Dating Game’, where aspiring actress Sheryl Bradshaw (Anna Kendrick) found herself in a desperate bid to boost her profile, as she was tired of men focusing more on her physical attributes than her acting talent. This is the premise of the show ‘Woman of the Hour’.

The event was overseen by a character played by Tony Hale, who exhibited cheesy chauvinistic behavior. He persuaded her to wear a more form-fitting dress and then hurried her through hair and makeup before leading her onto the set to ask dull questions she had been provided. Though it was her decision to participate, the men were informed they would ‘win over the girl’. Interestingly, this phrase proved prophetic as contestant number 3 was Rodney Alcala, who later revealed himself to be a serial killer. This narrative may seem like an exploitative thriller, but it is indeed a chilling and horrifying real-life account.

In a chilling opening, Daniel Zovatto’s character, Alcala, captivates with an effortless allure while photographing women, coaxing them into poses that prove harmful. In the first scene, he and his latest victim find themselves stranded in a vast, desolate countryside, far from any potential help.

As a cinephile, I’ve just got to say that Anna Kendrick’s latest flick, “Woman of the Hour,” is a refreshing departure from her usual laugh-out-loud comedies. Similar to her previous movie, ‘Alice, Darling,’ it delves deep into societal issues like male attitudes and chauvinism, brilliantly portrayed through an onlooker in the audience who recognizes Alcala and attempts to get a studio security guard to intervene. Kendrick shines in her role, but her directorial debut is simply outstanding.

Instead of being heavy on gore like many serial killer thrillers, it skillfully builds tension in other ways. For instance, the scenes where Sheryl and Alcala have a drink after the show and later walk through a parking lot outside the studio are particularly chilling. These scenes are masterfully executed, with Kendrick demonstrating a knack for increasing suspense. Zovatto delivers an authentic performance as Alcala; he’s charming one moment but his overall demeanor remains unsettling.

In a swift 90 minutes, this film is always riveting, and the final end credits unveil an even greater surprise. The manner in which Alcala was apprehended showcases the extraordinary courage, sharp wit, and determination of one of his possible victims – a testament not only to women’s strength but also to the misogyny of certain men. As her directorial debut, Kendrick demonstrates herself to be an exceptional talent worthy of attention.

Here’s the Woman of the our trailer……

Woman of the hour is released on Netflix on 18th October 2024

2024-10-15 02:23

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