"Woman of the Hour" has found a much-needed savior in Anna Kendrick, especially at a pivotal moment. This true-crime thriller is currently streaming on Netflix and serves as Kendrick's feature directorial debut, where she also takes on a starring role.
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| Tony Hale, Anna Kendrick and Daniel Zovatto in 'Woman of the Hour.' Leah Gallo/Netflix |
The film is based on the chilling real-life story of Rodney Alcala, dubbed the “Dating Game Killer,” who infamously appeared on a 1978 episode of The Dating Game.
In a conversation with Reporter, screenwriter Ian McDonald shared insights into the journey of bringing this story to the screen, detailing his initial connection to Alcala's narrative and his ambitions for the film. McDonald became intrigued after stumbling upon an online article about unusual true-crime tales.
While he has a mixed relationship with the true-crime genre—favoring fictional serial killer stories—Alcala's story drew him in, particularly the societal dynamics that allowed him to evade justice for so long.
The script, which made the prestigious Black List in 2017, faced numerous obstacles before Kendrick's involvement breathed new life into the project. McDonald recounted how Kendrick’s arrival transformed the pace of production, rapidly moving it forward after years of stagnation. He praised her as a collaborative partner who offered insightful feedback that enhanced the script while aligning it with his original vision.
McDonald initially sought to reach out to the real Cheryl, the bachelorette who crossed paths with Alcala, but he ultimately respected her decision to remain private. This led him to create a fictionalized version of her character, Sheryl, allowing for a more creative interpretation of events.
Zovatto's performance as Alcala impressed McDonald, who acknowledged the challenges of adapting the original game show dialogue for a modern audience. He emphasized that societal standards and humor have shifted significantly since the 1970s, which required a thoughtful reimagining of Alcala's lines to avoid casting the character in a purely negative light.
Regarding Alcala’s decision to appear on the show during his killing spree, McDonald compared him to many sociopaths who believe they are invulnerable. He speculated that there might have been an element of showmanship in his choice.
The film also explores themes of toxic masculinity and societal complicity in turning a blind eye to harmful behavior. McDonald expressed his hope that viewers would see their own reflections in the various forms of toxic masculinity presented and recognize the collective responsibility to address these issues.
As for his future projects, McDonald is currently working on several diverse scripts. He is conscious of not wanting to be labeled as “the serial killer guy,” as that could lead to a bleak creative path. He acknowledged the rigorous research required for this film, which often involved confronting disturbing and traumatic subject matter.
Looking forward, McDonald hopes "Woman of the Hour" transcends current trends in true crime. He aspires for it to be remembered as a work of art rather than just content, emphasizing that both he and Kendrick approached the film with seriousness and dedication. Ultimately, he wishes for it to spark meaningful conversations and remain relevant for years to come.
