Beverly Boy Reviews: Woman of the Hour

In 1970s Los Angeles, as a wave of murders makes headlines, a young woman aspiring to become an actress and a serial killer cross paths during an episode of a dating show.
 

 

Release date: October 18, 2024 (USA)



Director: Anna Kendrick



Distributed by: Netflix


 

 


Crime, Drama, Mystery


Motion Picture Rating (MPA): Rated R for language, violent content, some drug use and a sexual reference.



Audience Reviews

Xenia David
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"Anna Kendrick’s directorial debut exceeded my expectations. It’s a tense, non-exploitative retelling of serial killer Rodney Alcala, focused on survivors. Daniel Zovatto delivers a chilling performance. Some pacing issues, but a solid film."
Rachel Power
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"Brilliant, tense biopic on Alcala with sharp social commentary on misogyny. Kendrick’s direction shines, Zovatto’s performance is haunting. Faithful 70s recreation with gripping scenes that leave a lasting impact."
Tim Asquith
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"A moving testament to storytelling and resilience. Kendrick’s direction and the lead performances resonate deeply. A film of truth and strength, masterfully crafted."
Nathaniel Avila
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"Kendrick’s Woman of the Hour is a perfect mix of chills and laughs—like Dateline meets The Office in a 70s game show. Zovatto is terrifyingly charming as Alcala, and Kendrick’s debut masterfully balances suspense and humor. A rom-com crime thriller I didn’t know I needed!"
Frank Klein
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"Disappointing. The forced identity politics detracts from the story. The scenes lack continuity, and Kendrick’s take on Alcala’s history feels shallow. Expected more depth."

Critic Reviews

Lauren Veneziani >> WBAL-TV (Baltimore)
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Veneziani applauds Anna Kendrick’s directorial debut, calling it a "riveting drama" that effectively highlights the voices of women, with an impeccably filmed dating game sequence.
Filipe Freitas >> Always Good Movies
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Freitas describes Woman of the Hour as a "chilling, sharply crafted thriller" that lingers, despite not delving deeply into Alcala's backstory.
Daniel M. Kimmel >> North Shore Movies
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Kimmel calls Woman of the Hour a "tight true-crime story" set against one of TV’s cheesiest game shows, proving that truth is stranger than fiction.
Neal Pollack >> Book & Film Globe
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Pollack notes the film's disjointed timeline and perspective shifts, remarking that it's "a big ask" for viewers to follow multiple storylines in just 90 minutes.
James Berardinelli >> ReelViews
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Berardinelli finds Kendrick’s debut promising and praises Zovatto’s performance, but mentions an "incomplete feeling" that lingers throughout the film.

Overview: A Compelling Look at Fame and Morality in Woman of the Hour

Woman of the Hour delivers an intense story that dives into fame, morality, and society’s obsession with sensationalism. This gripping thriller centers around a serial killer who unexpectedly becomes a contestant on a popular dating show. Through a powerful storyline, Woman of the Hour invites viewers to confront the unsettling fascination with fame. For Beverly Boy Productions, this film demonstrates the impact of socially aware storytelling that examines deep, thought-provoking themes.

Cinematography: Capturing the Illusions of Fame

The cinematography in Woman of the Hour highlights the contrast between the glamour of fame and the chilling reality behind it. Bright colors bring the game show to life, creating a flashy, exciting atmosphere, while muted, dark tones emphasize the hidden side of the main character’s life. This visual contrast enhances the story’s focus on the divide between public and private lives, illustrating the darker aspects of fame.

At Beverly Boy Productions, we appreciate how this film uses visual storytelling to communicate its themes. The shift between bright, showy scenes and darker, private moments makes the story more impactful, showing how cinematography can add depth to the viewer’s experience.

Production Design: Balancing Glamour and Darkness

The production design in Woman of the Hour is both eye-catching and disturbing, perfectly balancing the contrasting worlds of television fame and the protagonist’s secret life. The game show set is lively and glamorous, creating an illusion of excitement, while the character’s private spaces are stark and cold. This contrast in set design reveals the tension between public perception and private reality, bringing audiences closer to the story.

For Beverly Boy Productions, Woman of the Hour showcases how effective production design can enrich a story. The careful design of each scene invites viewers to engage with the character’s journey, making the story even more compelling.

Camera Work: Emphasizing Duality

Woman of the Hour uses strategic camera work to show the divide between the protagonist’s public and private lives. Close-ups capture subtle emotions, while wider shots reveal the character’s isolation. The camera angles alternate between polished, energetic shots on the game show and unsettling close-ups in private scenes, emphasizing the difference between what’s seen on the surface and what lies beneath.

We appreciate how the camera work enhances the film’s storytelling, allowing viewers to connect with the character’s struggle. Every shot is designed to make the audience feel part of the story, creating a powerful viewing experience.

Post-Production and Sound Design: Creating a Suspenseful Atmosphere

The editing and sound design in Woman of the Hour build a tense atmosphere, enhancing both the excitement of the game show and the character’s dark reality. The editing style switches between fast-paced cuts for high-energy moments and slower shots that reveal the main character’s inner conflict. The sound design, from the loud applause of the audience to quiet, suspenseful sounds, brings viewers closer to the character’s world.

For Beverly Boy Productions, this film is a reminder of how sound and editing shape the viewing experience. The careful sound work and pacing of the editing deepen the suspense, making Woman of the Hour a standout example of how post-production choices enhance storytelling.

Final Thoughts

Woman of the Hour is a thrilling addition to psychological drama, using fame and moral conflict to explore deeper issues. The film’s strong cinematography, thoughtful production design, and impactful sound and editing work together to create an unforgettable story.

At Beverly Boy Productions, we find Woman of the Hour inspiring, as it shows how thoughtful production and visual choices can make a story more engaging. This film motivates us to continue creating high-quality productions with meaningful themes, helping clients bring powerful stories to life.

Top Cast and Characters

Photo : Netflix

Anna Kendrick as Cheryl Bradshaw
Cheryl, a contestant on The Dating Game, won a date with Rodney Alcala but felt “weird vibes” and refused to go out with him after sensing something unsettling.

Photo : Netflix

Daniel Zovatto as Rodney Alcala
A convicted serial killer who appeared on The Dating Game while wanted for assault and murder. Alcala was later sentenced to death for killing seven women, though the real victim count may be much higher.

Photo : Netflix

Tony Hale as Ed Burke/Jim Lange
Portrays the host of The Dating Game, based on the real-life host Jim Lange.

Photo : Netflix

Kathryn Gallagher as Charlie
Plays Cornelia Crilley, a 23-year-old flight attendant who was murdered by Alcala in 1971. DNA evidence later connected him to her death.

Photo : Netflix

Kelley Jakle as Sarah
Portrays a character inspired by Christine Ruth Thornton, who was murdered by Alcala while on a road trip in Wyoming.

Photo : Netflix

Autumn Best as Runaway Teen (Amy)
Plays “Amy,” a fictional version of a real-life teen survivor of Alcala. This role is inspired by two possible survivors, Tali Shapiro and Morgan Rowan.

Photo : Netflix

Jedidiah Goodacre and Matt Visser as Bachelor #1 and Bachelor #2
Portray contestants competing against Alcala on The Dating Game. Inspired by real contestants who felt a “creepy” vibe from Alcala backstage.

Movie Highlights

  1. Portrayal of Fame’s Dark Side
    Woman of the Hour brings a disturbing twist to the concept of fame, exploring society’s fascination with celebrity and crime. The film’s unique storyline—centering on a killer’s appearance on a dating show—delivers a powerful critique of media sensationalism.
  2. Psychological Suspense
    Themes of morality, manipulation, and identity run through the film, creating an atmosphere of constant tension. The narrative’s psychological depth keeps viewers questioning motives and morality, leading to an unsettling but thought-provoking experience.
  3. Standout Performances
    The cast delivers haunting performances, with the lead capturing the disturbing duality of charm and danger. The actors’ nuanced portrayals give viewers a window into the dark complexities of their characters.
  4. Visual Storytelling
    Woman of the Hour uses contrasting visuals to emphasize themes of public allure and hidden darkness. The vibrant game show scenes clash with the grim realism of the protagonist’s private life, heightening the film’s tension and suspense.
  5. Expert Production Quality
    With a skilled production team behind it, Woman of the Hour combines sharp editing, atmospheric sound design, and immersive set design to create a suspenseful and visually engaging experience. This production quality reinforces the movie’s themes, making it an impactful and memorable film.

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