Kendrick’s directorial debut is promising but tonally off

Actress Anna Kendrick has been nominated for Academy Awards in a plethora of films that capture the varying experiences of her female characters. For the 2023 Toronto International Film Festival, she directs and stars in a tragic, based on a true story that interweaves one young woman’s hopes of making it big in Hollywood and the 1970s hit show, The dating game.

It is also the TV show that once hosted Rodney Alcala, a contestant who was a serial rapist and murderer and whose appearance coincided with his killing spree. Woman of the hour Details the events leading up to his TV debut and his eventual date with Cheryl Bradshaw (Kendrick). Kendrick’s directorial debut shows good potential overall, is hampered by tonal imbalances and poor editing.

The story follows Cheryl Bradshaw as she adjusts to life in Los Angeles. Desperate to make her mark on Hollywood, Bradshaw spends her days practicing lines for upcoming auditions and going to bars at night with her boyfriend. When her manager calls with what she refers to as an opportunity that will get Cheryl seen, Bradshaw finds herself on the hit TV series. The dating game. Unfortunately for Cheryl, it also happens to be where serial killer Rodney Alcala (Daniel Zovatto) finds himself, and he’s right in the middle of a killing spree.

Woman of the hour disappointing despite its great potential

It’s disappointing to admit this, but Kendrick’s directorial debut doesn’t live up to its potential. From the opening sequence, where we find a young woman pouring her heart out to Zovatto’s Alcala (who does a decent job balancing the creepiness and charm), there’s an erratic shift in tone mid-conversation. As the story progresses, this does not change much as the film navigates between the perspectives of the two leads. With Bradshaw, the script takes a more lighthearted approach in its storytelling to poke fun at the process of failing as a young actress and navigating the world as a woman.

While it works in isolation, the jarring cutbacks to a murder/rape scene feel out of place and leave us with a sense of discomfort in more ways than one. The editing also does Kendrick’s feature debut any favors. It’s understandable that Bradshaw and Alcala’s stories would need to be told separately before connecting, but the editing is uneven, which also contributes to the lopsided tones.

To make matters worse, the transitions in question leave us no room to digest sequences they have just witnessed, especially when it is an emotionally heavy one centered around violence. So, when there are flashbacks of sexual violence embedded around The dating game conversations (which are clearly there to provoke laughter), it feels wildly inappropriate. They are ultimately poor decisions for the story, essentially feeling like two separate movies in one.

Anna Kendrick finds a way to bring us back to history

Kendrick can find a way to draw back her viewers, thanks to her influence in front of and behind the camera. Her direction shows promise – she uses her angles to shift from curiosity and hope to devastation from the very opening sequence. Similarly, she practices much-needed restraint when showcasing violent sequences. Of course, this is to be expected in 2023, but her decisions here are still noteworthy.

In front of the camera, Kendrick is her fabulous, charming self. She is so easy to root for and understands exactly what is needed for her character. Perhaps with better support, Kendrick will find another opportunity to pour her talents into the director’s chair. It is worth noting that not all is lost with Woman of the hour. By regular entertainment standards, this film contains everything you need to hold your attention. However, it could have definitely given us more.

The police have failed the women who fall prey to “the dating game killer,” but the script makes the bare minimum effort to showcase this. Additionally, the overall story could have leaned a bit more into the commentary on dating during the 1970s and the differences for men and women. Despite the mishaps, it’s an overall fine debut. And on a wide theatrical release, there’s no doubt in my mind that people will show up for Kendrick.

Woman of the hour Will be available to stream on Netflix October 18. The film is 95 minutes long and not rated.