Last year’s Toronto International Film Festival saw a wave of celebrity directors debuting their feature films, marking a noteworthy trend. While some debuts fell short, Anna Kendrick’s 70s-set thriller Woman of the Hour truly stood out.
Anna Kendrick Directs 70s True Crime Thriller
Kendrick, known for her comedic roles, takes a darker turn directing Woman of the Hour. Inspired by real events, the film features Kendrick as Sheryl, a struggling actress in 1970s Hollywood. Her agent pressures her to appear on “The Dating Game,” where she unexpectedly falls for contestant Rodney Alcala, portrayed by Daniel Zovatto. Unbeknownst to Sheryl, Alcala is a manipulative serial killer.
Through a skillful nonlinear narrative, Kendrick peels back the layers of this chilling story.
Beyond the dazzling fashion choices and period setting, she masterfully depicts the insidious sexism rampant within the entertainment industry and 70s culture, highlighting its potential to endanger women. Fragile male egos and lurking violence lurk beneath the surface.
Kendrick’s directing debut isn’t merely a crime thriller; it’s a compelling commentary on power dynamics, manipulation, and the dark realities hidden behind Hollywood’s glamorous facade.
Want to learn more? Read our interview with Anna Kendrick, where she talks about creating Woman of the Hour.