Anna Kendrick Debuts as Director with ‘Woman of the Hour’

In her transition from acclaimed actress to director, Anna Kendrick explores themes of misogyny and abuse, drawing from her personal experiences within Hollywood. The 39-year-old star, known for her roles in films like Pitch Perfect and Up in the Air, now makes her directorial debut with Woman of the Hour, a thriller inspired by a true-crime story.

Woman of the Hour dramatizes the chilling narrative of Rodney Alcala, a serial killer who appeared as a contestant on the 1978 television show The Dating Game. Kendrick herself stars as Cheryl Bradshaw, the woman who unknowingly chose Alcala as a match. The film is noted for its unique perspective, centering on the stories of the women who encountered Alcala, rather than focusing on the killer himself. Kendrick remarks, “This is supposedly Cheryl’s moment, but she’s an object of consumption and objectification.”

Kendrick’s film does not indulge in sensationalism typical of serial killer stories, choosing instead to emphasize the bravery of the women involved. “I didn’t want to photograph anyone in a way that felt titillating,” Kendrick shares, highlighting her intention to handle the film’s sensitive subject matter with dignity and respect.

The film also examines the pressures faced by women in the entertainment industry, a theme Kendrick has previously addressed in her 2016 book. During production, Kendrick noted, “There are certain things I wouldn’t risk saying to a man if we were alone, such as: ‘Hey, you’re making me uncomfortable.’” This sentiment is reflected in the film’s nuanced portrayal of female characters.

Released at the Toronto International Film Festival, Woman of the Hour has garnered positive reviews. The cast includes her Pitch Perfect co-stars Chrissie Fit and Kelley Jakle, alongside actors Daniel Zovatto, Nicolette Robinson, and Tony Hale.

This project’s themes also resonate with Kendrick’s personal experiences, particularly her reflections on a coercive relationship explored in her previous film Alice, Darling. “Everything else I was getting around that time I was just not connecting to,” Kendrick acknowledged, revealing how deeply personal the film’s narrative is to her own life.