Top Gun: Maverick (2022): Soaring to New Heights | Tom Cruise | Joseph Kosinski | Action | Adventure | War | Army

 Woman of the Hour: A Chilling True Crime Thriller Directed by Anna Kendrick

The directorial premiere of Anna Kendrick, "Woman of the Hour", invaded Netflix with a 92% rating on Rotten Tomatoes. This crime thriller dramatized the true story of Rodney Alcala, an American serial killer who made this incredible appearance on the popular TV show *The Dating Game* back in 1978 during his killing spree. Kendrick plays Cheryl Bradshaw, the contestant who, none the wiser to Alcala's dark past, is smitten by him on the show and later disturbed. The movie is a thrilling investigation into the crimes of Alcala, whose flashbacks to brutal murders serve up some mostly tense moments against his appearance on a dating show. While none of the murders are terribly graphic, the focus on the vulnerability of his victims-especially women-is potent. Kendrick puts a fine point on societal indifference to violence against women, and this isn't just some ordinary crime thriller; it's an examination of systemic misogyny.

The tension, particularly in its third act, is well-built by Kendrick's skill behind the camera. The story in itself is well-imagined, with stellar performances given not just by Kendrick but also Daniel Zovatto in the role of Alcala. Heavy in subject matter, this is a must-watch thriller juxtaposed with true crime and a thought-provoking social message.

It received generally good reviews, though some of its themes were noted not to round out. That said, *Woman of the Hour* has had little trouble sealing its place as one of Netflix's best this year-and Kendrick's work behind the camera has widely been applaudable.

rodney alcala woman of the hour true story cheryl bradshaw women of the hour dating game killer the dating game killer anna kendrick