WOMAN OF THE HOUR Review: A Tense Examination of Manipulation and Fame - Warped Factor - Words in the Key of Geek.

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WOMAN OF THE HOUR Review: A Tense Examination of Manipulation and Fame

Woman of the Hour, directed by Anna Kendrick and now available on Netflix, tackles the chilling true-crime story of Rodney Alcala, a serial killer who appeared on a 1978 episode of The Dating Game while actively committing murders. Kendrick, who also stars as Cheryl Bradshaw, the contestant who unknowingly chose Alcala, creates a deeply unsettling narrative that explores the intersections of fame, manipulation, and fear.

The film immerses itself in the late 1970s aesthetic, reflecting the era's awkward juxtaposition of kitschy game show glamour and the creeping dangers that lurked beneath the surface. Kendrick captures the uncomfortable tension between Cheryl’s innocence and Alcala’s charisma, and her performance shines as she navigates the minefield of a dating show turned nightmare.

What sets Woman of the Hour apart is its commitment to depicting both the surface-level absurdity of the game show format and the grim reality of Alcala’s heinous crimes, interspersed with scenes featuring some of Alcala's victims going about their everyday life before encountering him. While some films of this nature might revel in the killer’s perspective, Woman of the Hour smartly focuses on the female characters, making it not just a crime thriller but a commentary on the perils women face in a male-dominated world.

The film balances taut suspense with moments of reflection. Cheryl’s realisation of the danger she’s in builds slowly, paralleling the audience’s growing unease. The visual storytelling subtly underscores the disconnect between the game show's playful façade and the life-and-death stakes unfolding beneath it. Kendrick, as both actress and director, handles the material with sensitivity and restraint, avoiding gratuitous violence in favour of psychological tension.

Alcala’s depiction by Daniel Zovatto is as disturbing as one would expect. His portrayal is chillingly charismatic, a man who hides monstrous tendencies behind a charming exterior. Zovatto navigates the balance between predator and performer with precision, making Alcala’s menace all the more terrifying. The film doesn't dwell excessively on his crimes, instead focusing on how easily someone like him could manipulate those around him, both on and off the screen.

What Woman of the Hour does exceptionally well is create an atmosphere of escalating dread. The game show scenes, while initially light-hearted, take on a sinister tone as the viewer realises just how vulnerable Cheryl and the other women are. It’s a stark commentary on the way society often overlooks the dangers women face, even in seemingly benign situations.

The film’s strongest moments lie in its quieter, more introspective scenes. Kendrick takes time to explore Cheryl’s emotions and the fallout from her encounter with Alcala. It’s a thoughtful, well-crafted film that lingers in the mind long after the credits roll. The real horror isn’t just in Alcala’s crimes but in the systems that allowed him to hide in plain sight, preying on vulnerable women while basking in the spotlight of fame.

In conclusion, Woman of the Hour is a gripping and atmospheric thriller that offers more than just the usual true-crime fare. It’s a film that’s as much about the horrors of being seen as it is about the dangers lurking in the shadows. With a strong directorial debut from Anna Kendrick and compelling performances, it’s a thought-provoking examination of trust, fame, and the darker side of human nature.

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