TORONTO — A year after the release of the controversial Netflix series “Dahmer — Monster: The Jeffrey Dahmer Story,” which sparked debate about the exploitation of true-crime narratives, a different kind of film has emerged. “Woman of the Hour,” directed by actress Anna Kendrick, promises to take a unique approach. According to the synopsis, the movie intentionally avoids focusing too much on the gruesome details typically found in true-crime stories. However, upon viewing, audiences may find that the film does, in fact, revisit some of the disturbing acts committed by real-life serial killer Rodney Alcala during the 1970s. While these scenes may be troubling for some viewers, they play an important role in illustrating how Alcala maintained a facade of charm and normalcy while carrying out his crimes.
Although “Woman of the Hour” is not a standout film, it does effectively explore the challenges women face in navigating abusive relationships and gender dynamics, particularly in the context of a popular 1970s dating show called “The Dating Game.” The film portrays Cheryl Bradshaw (played by Kendrick) as a struggling actress who participates in the show, altering the scripted questions and confronting the male contestants. Kendrick’s intention is to shed light on the lengths women have historically gone to in order to conform to societal expectations of attractiveness and appeal.
The film demonstrates how women like Bradshaw contorted themselves to fit the mold of the ideal woman in the eyes of men and the public. This commentary extends beyond the dating show era to modern-day dating apps, reminding viewers that these expectations and pressures remain prevalent. However, it’s worth noting that while the film dramatizes Bradshaw’s experiences, it may deviate from her true story, leaving uncertainty as to her actual motivations and actions.
Additionally, “Woman of the Hour” skillfully depicts the underlying sexism embedded in shows like “The Dating Game” and the larger social landscape. It highlights how a seemingly mundane bar date can quickly turn into a regrettable encounter and how participating in a seemingly harmless dating show can bring someone face-to-face with a charming yet dangerous killer.
Despite its compelling themes, “Woman of the Hour” suffers from an uneven narrative structure. The film jumps back and forth between different time periods and fails to provide a cohesive and satisfying storyline. This hinders Kendrick’s exploration of gender dynamics and detracts from the powerful scenes featuring “The Dating Game.” The constant reminders of Alcala’s true nature become redundant and disrupt the flow of the film.
Overall, Kendrick deserves recognition for tackling underdiscussed topics and creating a thought-provoking work of art. However, the execution of “Woman of the Hour” could benefit from further refinement.
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