Actress Anna Kendrick will make her directorial debut with the upcoming Netflix film “Woman of the Hour.” The movie tells the true story of a woman who unknowingly went on a date with a serial killer after meeting him on a popular televised game show in the 1970s. Kendrick directs and stars in the film, which explores how Cheryl Bradshaw’s appearance on “The Dating Game” intersected with murderer Rodney Alcala.
The screenplay for “Woman of the Hour,” originally titled “Rodney and Sheryl,” caught attention after being included on the 2017 Black List of unproduced scripts. Netflix originally acquired the project but later left it before regaining distribution rights for $11 million following a successful premiere at the Toronto International Film Festival in 2023.
In the film, Kendrick portrays Cheryl Bradshaw, who went on the televised date without knowing her match was Rodney Alcala. Alcala, played by Daniel Zovatto, was later convicted of multiple murders. The movie examines this bizarre moment when popular entertainment unintentionally connected an innocent woman with a dangerous criminal.
During a recent interview, Kendrick said the film goes beyond just the sensational aspects of the true story. She hinted it will provide deeper insight into the psychological aspects of what happened. The movie also features strong supporting roles from Tony Hale, Nicolette Robinson, and Autumn Best. Early reviews from the festival praised Kendrick’s ability to balance entertainment and the disturbing subject matter.
“Woman of the Hour” joins the ranks of popular true crime adaptations but sets itself apart by focusing on the unique situation of a killer intersecting with culture through a televised game show. As the film’s release on Netflix approaches, it promises to thoughtfully examine topics like personal safety, the unforeseen dangers in everyday life, and the nature of evil.
The project marks a significant career shift for Kendrick into directing. Success could establish her as a capable filmmaker and open new opportunities behind the camera. Audiences will soon have a chance to view this chilling real-life account brought to life on screen through Kendrick’s directorial debut.
