Movie Review: Woman of the Hour

by

As a cinephile with over three decades of movie-watching under my belt and an unyielding passion for crime thrillers that leave me on the edge of my seat, I must say that “Women of the Hour” is a truly captivating film. Anna Kendrick’s directorial debut is nothing short of impressive, demonstrating her keen understanding of the medium and its potential to make audiences think, feel, and be disturbed all at once.

A standout dual performance by the leads, skillful directing, and thoughtful social commentary make this somewhat confusing crime mystery film both captivating and impactful.

“Women of the Hour” is an intense crime drama-mystery, helmed by actress Anna Kendrick in her directorial debut. Kendrick, famed for her roles in “Up in the Air”, “Pitch Perfect”, and “A Simple Favor”, has earned recognition in comedy due to her sharp acting skills, often marked by impeccable timing and clever humor. This project, however, strays from her comedic roots as it delves into a real-life tale about Rodney Alcala, a serial killer suspected of being linked to approximately 130 murders.

The movie portrays the method of operation, or M.O., of a notorious serial killer who posed as a photographer targeting women, juxtaposing this with the struggles of an aspiring actress named Sheryl in her quest for stardom. Desperate to make it big in Hollywood, Sheryl agrees to participate in a dating game show to increase her visibility. However, chilling flashbacks create a disconcerting backdrop to this TV program, as the serial killer is revealed to be one of its contestants.

Similar to “Money Monster” and “King of Comedy,” there’s a broader social critique woven into the narrative, contrasted with the backdrop of a lightweight TV program. Instead of a hostage scenario, “Woman of the Hour” adopts a more nuanced tactic, leveraging its insightful script to probe at the fault lines of gender issues, misogyny, victim-blaming, and the perpetuation of institutional inequalities.

1970s-set, this haunting and grim crime thriller unfolds a puzzling true story in an unconventional manner, drawing viewers into the era and lifestyle. The wardrobe and hairstyles are skillfully managed to maintain interest without becoming overly distracting. Just like its sensitive direction, this style provides an artistic touch while delivering a significant impact without veering into excessive violence.

“Do you kiss and tell bachelor no. 3?”

The film is held together by strong performances from Anna Kendrick and Daniel Zovatto, making it a gripping watch that adds depth to the typical portrayals of a Hollywood actress and a serial killer, both common tropes in American popular culture. Kendrick displays remarkable resilience amid her vulnerability, while Zovatto skillfully portrays his complex and intriguing character with a sense of mystery and allure. The narrative cleverly alternates between their viewpoints as their lives intersect in an unexpected setting – a tacky dating game.

In her impressive first directorial effort, Kendrick skillfully demonstrates her grasp of the medium by wrapping rather than controlling, exhibiting remarkable self-restraint. Instead of delving deeply into the characters’ personal lives for dramatic effect, she gently unveils them within a specific setting. The intricate political and psychological aspects of these tense situations serve to build depth, revealing how historical and ongoing misogyny is perpetuated within society.

A striking expose that remains relevant today, Women of the Hour functions as a warning and a discussion-sparker, revealing how a charismatic psychopath manipulated the system to ensnare his victims. Presenting himself as an excellent listener and a comforting presence, Women of the Hour challenges certain stereotypes surrounding ideal bachelors and serial killers. In the very first scene, the movie unveils the character, exposing the intricacies of deceit and manipulation at play.

The violence in this production is bothersome and disquieting, yet it’s a powerful demonstration of Kendrick’s skillful direction and her subtle touch, thanks to a well-crafted script, convincing performances, and meticulous guidance. Despite the complexity of the storyline that can be confusing as it moves between different time periods, Women of the Hour is still captivating viewing. Kendrick offers a stark reflection of society, but the grace with which she presents this image softens the harshness of the reality portrayed.

A skillfully constructed piece of social commentary and nail-biting thriller, filled with intelligent interludes and gradually escalating tension, this crime drama may not grab everyone’s immediate attention, but it succeeds in delivering its message as a “message movie” and lays a solid foundation for Kendrick’s budding directorial career.

The bottom line: Ingenious

Read More

2024-10-29 17:43