Netflix's new crime thriller is one of the best films of the year - and is already at 92% on Rotten Tomatoes

Just when I thought I was out, Netflix pulled me back in. I’ve been very critical of Netflix for serving up a summer full of lackluster original films, but the streaming service is on a real high right now, dropping films like Rebel Ridge. , “His Three Daughters” and now “Woman of the Hour.” Netflix, I owe you an apology. I wasn’t really familiar with your game.

Starting today (October 18), Woman of the Hour is available to stream on Netflix and you should take the time to watch this crime thriller. I’ve been anticipating the film, which marks Anna Kendrick’s directorial debut, for several months, but despite the heightened expectations that come with the significant pre-release hype, I was still seriously impressed.

Based on a true story that’s stranger than fiction, “Woman of the Hour” seems to have all the ingredients to be a Netflix hit (surely it’ll hit No. 1 in the future), and it is promising first showcase of Kendrick’s filmmaking abilities. Here’s why that is The A Netflix movie you need to watch this weekend…

“Woman of the Hour” is not your typical crime thriller

Woman of the hour | Official Trailer | Netflix-YouTube

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“Woman of the Hour” focuses on the notorious American serial killer Rodney Alcala (played by Daniel Zovatto) and in particular his bizarre decision to appear in a 1978 episode of the popular television show “The Dating Game.” The killer keeps a low profile, comes forward for one Appears on the series and meets Cheryl Bradshaw (Anna Kendrick), an aspiring actress.

During the recording of the episode, Cheryl is actually fascinated by Alcala, who answers her playful questions with surprising wit and intelligence. But when the two leave the studio premises and then go for a drink, Alcala’s true dark nature comes to light and Cheryl is extremely disturbed and desperate to escape.

While the film revolves around Alcala’s appearance in “The Dating Game” and Cheryl’s scary experience, we also take a look back at the various brutal murders committed by the serial killer in the years leading up to 1978. These sequences are undoubtedly gripping, but also extremely unnerving – turn as we see Alcala take advantage of several vulnerable young women.

Anna Kendrick as Cheryl Bradshaw and Daniel Zovatto as Rodney Alcala in

(Image credit: Netflix)

There’s also a brief (but extremely effective) subplot that focuses on a member of the live studio audience named Laura (Nicolette Robinson). She recognizes Alcala after a previous encounter and tries to alert the show’s producers, but there they encounter men in positions of power who don’t take her seriously. It’s infuriating to see her beg for help and be met with unsympathetic looks.

So while Woman of the Hour has all the usual elements of a thriller that will keep you hooked – Kendrick does a masterful job of building tension in the third act – what really stands out is the way it shines a spotlight on a largely indifferent society Dealing with violence against women. And while this isn’t a new terror for the genre, it’s still an important message.

Daniel Zovatto as Rodney Alcala in

(Image credit: Netflix)

Great credit goes to Anna Kendrick for her work on both sides of the camera. The playful sequences during Cheryl’s appearance on “The Dating Game” are particularly impressive. Kendrick is charming as usual, but these moments are interspersed with flashbacks of horrific violence that give the proceedings an almost unbearable sense of dread. Cheryl thinks she’s just having fun on a dating show, unaware of how dangerous the man behind the screen she knows only as “Bachelor Number 3” is.

“Woman of the Hour” is a well-constructed crime thriller that focuses on the victims rather than the perpetrator (though Zovatto is impressively repellent as Alcala), and with a brisk running time of under 95 minutes, it easily holds your attention throughout. By the end, your heart will be racing, but your fists will also be clenched in silent rage.

Woman of the Hour Reviews – Critics love this thriller

Nicolette Robinson as Laura in

(Image credit: Netflix)

I’m certainly not the first to praise “Woman of the Hour.” In fact, the film premiered at the Toronto International Film Festival in September 2023 and received an overwhelming initial reception all those months ago. Even though it only launches on Netflix today (October 18th), it’s already sitting at a very strong 92% Rotten tomatoes from more than 85 reviews.

The site’s critics consensus reads: “Skillfully directed by star Anna Kendrick, Woman of the Hour uses an incredible true story as the basis for a powerful examination of the intersection between systemic misogyny and violence.”

Anna Kendrick as Cheryl Bradshaw in

(Image credit: Netflix)

Carla Meyer from the San Francisco Chronicle said, “Anna Kendrick’s thrilling, insightful directorial debut refocuses the narrative on Alcala’s sacrifice and the rampant misogyny that permeated the 1970s.” While Rich‘s Ella Kemp noted that it “isn’t the serial killer thriller you’d expect”.

Meanwhile, Shirley Li is from The AtlanticFor him, watching the film was difficult due to the heavy subject matter: “It can be a punishment to watch the film; I definitely had a hard time getting through the exam. Nevertheless, Kendrick proves to be a skilled director with a knack for building suspense.”

But not all of the early reviews were positive, says Candice Frederick Huffington Post is one of the more skeptical critics. “’Woman of the Hour’ is not a great film. “It’s a film about a lot of things that don’t always come to fruition,” Frederick said in an overall more mixed review.

Stream “Woman of the Hour” on Netflix now

Daniel Zovatto as Rodney Alcala in

(Image credit: Netflix)

“Woman of the Hour” is one of the best Netflix films of the year. It’s also an impressive first attempt as a director for Anna Kendrick, and she manages to tell a shocking true crime story without resorting to cheap sensationalism or trying to humanize Alcala.

Kendrick wisely puts women at the center of this story, and by the end, when the stakes are truly high, your palms will be sweating and you’ll probably be screaming at the screen for Cheryl to run as fast as she can. Those are the hallmarks of an effective thriller, and “Woman of the Hour” has them in spades. This powerful film needs to be on your Netflix watchlist ASAP.

Once you’ve streamed Woman of the Hour, you might need something a little happier. So be sure to check out our roundup of what to watch this weekend, including the new season of Shrinking on Apple TV Plus and the latest regional reboot of The Office on Prime Video.

Regard “Woman of the Hour” on Netflix at the moment

Netflix’s new crime thriller is one of the best films of the year – and is already at 92% on Rotten Tomatoes

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