Warning: SPOILERS ahead for Woman of the Hour!
After receiving some of the best reviews of her career, Anna Kendrick is explaining Woman of the Houris ending. The Netflix drama, based on true events, tells the chilling story of the real-life crimes of Rodney Alcala (Daniel Zovatto), who appeared as a contestant on The dating game during his serial killer spree in California. Kendrick, who also directs the film, leads the Woman of the Hour cast as Sheryl, the unsuspecting bachelorette who unknowingly chooses Alcala as her date.
Kendrick, speaking to Netflix TUDUMinsights shared about Woman of the HourThe final moments of Amy, a teenage runaway played by Autumn Best, narrowly escapes Alcala, though it abruptly fades to black after her labored breathing. Kendrick explained that this choice was intended to mirror the nature of the unresolved traumawhere surviving a traumatic event doesn’t guarantee closure, while also remembering that Sheryl and Alcala’s final scene in which she confronts him almost didn’t happen as “nothing was feeling right“. See what Kendrick explained below:
I felt it was important to connect these women to nature for several reasons, but one of them was that I wanted to place them in places that spoke to the vastness of their lives beyond this moment. It’s a 90-minute film. There is a limit to how much screen time everyone can have. And I wanted – despite the way we know them – I wanted their environment to reflect the beauty and fullness of their entire life before this and what they must have had after.
Ian and I were debating whether maybe there would be a little dialogue or a conversation between Sheryl and her neighbor at the end of the film, and nothing seemed right, and Ian suddenly suggested, “Well, what if Sheryl just stands her ground in the hallway, and he has to move around it?” I think I threw my marker across the room – I was so excited. McDonald has a great way of illustrating the complexity of a victory that is small but significant for that character.
What does this mean for the woman of the end of the hour
The film continues a recent trend of trauma and ambiguous storytelling
Kendrick’s insights into Woman of the HourThe ending of Emphasizes a growing trend in cinematic narratives that embrace unresolved endings, particularly in trauma-centered stories. By forgoing sharp resolutions, filmmakers can better capture the chaotic and unpredictable nature of real-life experiences. This approach challenges the audience to engage more critically with the material, prompting discussions about the lasting effects of trauma and the importance of recognizing its complexity.
Furthermore, the choice to leave Woman of the hour the open-ended conclusion reinforces the idea that not all endings must be resolved. By embracing ambiguity, the film encourages viewers to reflect on their own experiences and their own perception of trauma. This shift towards a more realistic narrative may resonate with audiences who have faced similar difficulties, fostering a deeper connection with the characters and their experiences.
Kendrick’s decision to highlight ambiguity aligns with a broader movement in the film industry, where creators are increasingly willing to challenge traditional narrative structures. This evolution reflects a desire for authenticity in storytelling, allowing filmmakers to explore the nuances of human experiences without the constraints of conventional plot resolutions. As audiences continue to seek out deeper narratives, stories like Woman of the Hour contribute to a new wave of cinema that prioritizes emotional truth in its structure.
Our opinion on the woman of the end of the hour
An important example of ambiguous narrative
The choice to adopt open-ended conclusions, as demonstrated in Woman of the Hour, signifies a significant change in the way trauma narratives are approached in cinema. By allowing space for ambiguity, filmmakers not only honor the complexities of real-life experiences, but also encourage audiences to engage with the material on a deeper level. This approach can lead to richer conversations about the nature and outcomes of survival, ultimately reshaping the way stories are told and perceived.
Source: TUDUM