Anna Kendrick’s Directorial Debut ‘Woman Of The Hour’ Explores True Story of Serial Killer on 1970s Dating Show

Anna Kendrick’s feature directorial debut, “Woman Of The Hour”, is based on a true story that will send chills down your spine. The film, set in 1978, tells the story of Cheryl Bradshaw, who goes on “The Dating Game” and ends up bagging a date with Rodney Alcala, a serial killer who murdered several women in the late 1970s.

True Story Behind the Film

For Kendrick, “Woman Of The Hour” tapped into territory she wanted to explore, drawing on her own experience of having been in an emotionally abusive relationship. “With this movie, I think the screenplay naturally explored that conundrum of, ‘How do you know you’ve chosen a safe person?'” she tells Empire. “And that was something that I really focused on.” It’s a feeling that’s particularly present as Cheryl gradually unpicks Alcala’s mask. “It’s this balancing act of trying to figure out if there’s something dangerous about this person that you had assumed was trustworthy, and trying to find that out in a way that doesn’t let them know that you’re onto them,” she explains. “It’s this horrible paradox.”

Kendrick’s Directorial Debut

The project also offered Kendrick a chance to face her own fear as a first-time filmmaker – stepping up as director, after Watcher’s Chloe Okuno left the project. “There was this horrible thought bubbling up inside of me that I kept trying to shove back down which was, ‘I think I want to do it, and I think I’m gonna pitch myself,'” says Kendrick. It was just the right time to enter the directing game.

The Film’s Release

Read Empire’s full “Woman Of The Hour” story in the 40 Years Of The Terminator issue, on sale now. Order a copy online here. “Woman Of The Hour” comes to Netflix from 18 October.

Conclusion

Anna Kendrick’s directorial debut “Woman Of The Hour” is a chilling true story that explores the themes of emotional abuse and the struggle to know whether someone is trustworthy. With its unique blend of drama and horror, the film is sure to captivate audiences.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: What is the true story behind “Woman Of The Hour”?
A: The film is based on the true story of Rodney Alcala, a serial killer who appeared on “The Dating Game” in the 1970s.

Q: What inspired Anna Kendrick to direct the film?
A: Kendrick drew inspiration from her own experience of being in an emotionally abusive relationship and wanted to explore the themes of emotional abuse and trust in the film.

Q: When does “Woman Of The Hour” come to Netflix?
A: The film comes to Netflix from 18 October.