Woman of the Hour (2024) Movie Review – Where to Watch Online
The highly anticipated Netflix film Woman of the Hour (2024) has captivated audiences with its tense narrative and true-crime origins. Directed by Anna Kendrick in her directorial debut, the movie recounts the chilling events surrounding serial killer Rodney Alcala, who appeared on The Dating Game show in the 1970s. This gripping crime thriller explores not just the horrors of Alcala’s crimes but also the experiences of women who were often silenced and objectified by a misogynistic culture. In this review, we’ll delve into the movie’s themes, performances, and direction, as well as where you can stream or rent Woman of the Hour online.
Plot Overview
Woman of the Hour centers around two narratives that eventually intersect. One follows Sheryl Bradshaw (played by Kendrick), a struggling actress in Los Angeles, who reluctantly agrees to appear as a contestant on The Dating Game. Little does she know that one of the contestants, Rodney Alcala (Daniel Zovatto), is a dangerous serial killer who has already claimed multiple victims across the U.S.
The film cleverly juxtaposes Sheryl’s story of trying to make it in Hollywood with the terrifying acts committed by Alcala. The tension ramps up during the taping of the game show, where Sheryl unwittingly engages with Alcala, creating a disturbing atmosphere as the audience knows the real identity of the charming bachelor. The movie also revisits Alcala’s encounters with other women he murdered, weaving a narrative of violence, manipulation, and missed opportunities for justice.
Performances and Direction
Anna Kendrick takes on dual roles in Woman of the Hour—both in front of the camera as Sheryl Bradshaw and behind it as director. Her portrayal of Sheryl is nuanced, capturing the complexity of a woman struggling to maintain her dignity in an industry that continually objectifies her. Kendrick balances the vulnerability of Sheryl with moments of strength, particularly when Sheryl subverts the expectations placed upon her during the game show.
Kendrick’s directorial work, meanwhile, is impressive for a debut. She skillfully builds tension, often leaving the violence off-screen but maintaining an oppressive sense of dread throughout the film. The narrative’s pacing, cutting between Sheryl’s experiences and Alcala’s murders, creates an unsettling rhythm that mirrors the disorientation felt by the victims.
Daniel Zovatto is haunting as Rodney Alcala. He portrays the killer with a disturbing charisma, slipping between charming and menacing with ease. His performance is chilling precisely because of how plausible his character’s manipulation feels—Zovatto’s Alcala is someone who could easily deceive those around him, hiding his true nature behind a mask of affability.
Themes and Social Commentary
While Woman of the Hour is undeniably a crime thriller, it’s also a powerful critique of misogyny, both in the 1970s and today. The film highlights the systemic failure to believe women, particularly in situations of violence. Kendrick doesn’t just focus on Alcala’s crimes but also explores how women are treated in Hollywood and beyond. Sheryl’s interactions with men—whether during auditions, at work, or with her neighbor—show how she is constantly expected to conform to men’s desires, even when it makes her uncomfortable or unsafe.
The movie also comments on the true crime genre itself, particularly the voyeuristic nature of society’s fascination with serial killers. By giving weight to Alcala’s victims and showing their fear and humanity, Kendrick ensures that the women are not just reduced to statistics or sensationalized stories. This approach offers a sharp contrast to the glamorization of killers in many true crime dramas.
Streaming and Where to Watch
As a Netflix Original, Woman of the Hour is available exclusively on Netflix. Viewers in the U.S. can stream the movie with a Netflix subscription, making it easily accessible on most devices, including smart TVs, laptops, tablets, and smartphones. In addition to Netflix, the film may become available for rental or purchase on other platforms, such as:
- Amazon Prime Video (rental/purchase)
- Apple TV (rental/purchase)
- Google Play Movies (rental/purchase)
For now, the film remains exclusive to Netflix, so be sure to sign up or log in to watch this intense crime thriller.
Conclusion
Woman of the Hour is a remarkable debut for Anna Kendrick as a director, showcasing her ability to handle dark, complex material with finesse. The film delivers a suspenseful, thought-provoking narrative that doesn’t just focus on the killer but also shines a light on the experiences of the women involved. With stellar performances and sharp social commentary, it’s a must-watch for fans of true crime and psychological thrillers alike.
If you’re ready to dive into a gripping story that will leave you on the edge of your seat, Woman of the Hour is streaming now on Netflix. Don’t miss this haunting exploration of real-life horror, where the line between victim and survivor is as thin as a television screen.
