‘Woman of the Hour’: How True Crime Gains Impact with a Feminine Perspective

The surge in attraction towards true crime media has sparked controversy regarding the genre’s potential for exploitation and sensationalism. Nonetheless, the critically acclaimed Woman of the Hour proposes that true crime narratives can yield a constructive impact, especially when approached from a feminine perspective.

Critics have accused Monsters: The Jeffrey Dahmer Story of glamorizing the notorious serial killer Jeffrey Dahmer (played by Evan Peters), leading some viewers to disturbingly express affection for him as a figure. Simultaneously, the series has been said to retraumatize victims, leaving them feeling blindsided by its portrayal. Similarly, Extremely Wicked, Shockingly Evil, and Vile presented Ted Bundy’s life through a romantic lens, featuring Zac Efron in the leading role and opting to narrate the story from his girlfriend’s viewpoint rather than that of the victims. The documentary series Conversations with a Killer: The Ted Bundy Tapes sought to craft an enigmatic and alluring image of Bundy.

Many true crime productions appear to revel in depicting trauma and extreme shock without a meaningful lens. Therefore, it is heartening to witness Woman of the Hour navigating away from the common downfalls of the genre and presenting a story that holds significant merit.

A Fresh Direction in True Crime: Woman of the Hour

Woman of the Hour marks Anna Kendrick’s inaugural venture as a director. This film is inspired by the real-life story of serial killer Rodney Alcala, who infamously won an episode of The Dating Game amidst his crime spree. The film adopts a unique narrative by not fixating on the gruesome murders or centering on deceased victims but by spotlighting the stories of those who survived. Specifically, it delves into the lesser-known account of Cheryl Bradshaw (portrayed by Kendrick), a contestant on The Dating Game who interacted with Alcala (played by Daniel Zovatto).

In reality, Bradshaw bypassed a date with Alcala and led a relatively private existence. Therefore, Woman of the Hour fabricates a fictional encounter where she directly confronts Alcala. This creative choice culminates in one of the film’s most suspenseful moments, as Bradshaw gradually comes to understand the peril she is in while being followed by Alcala. The film notably refrains from showcasing the graphic violence of Alcala’s attacks. Instead, it employs innovative camera work to subtly portray the mood of a murder without indulging in the shocking aspects. The emphasis lies on the emotional turmoil and fear that Alcala instilled in these women.

The film adeptly captures the precise moment when each survivor senses the lurking danger in Alcala. It conveys the ominous and distressing realization that resonates with many women’s real-life experiences. Moreover, it portrays how women typically react to such threats. Rather than fleeing or calling out for assistance, Bradshaw opts to provide Alcala with a fictitious phone number as a gentle way to decline his advances. Similarly, a flight attendant hints at her obligations to suggest Alcala take his leave. In one notable scene, a young runaway simulates a smile after an assault, maintaining the facade that everything is fine while keeping the encounter a “secret.”

Few films manage to authentically convey the experiences unique to womanhood. Many can relate to the delicate balance of navigating interactions with certain men, often resorting to appeasement as a survival mechanism following a traumatic encounter. Furthermore, Alcala is portrayed without any glamorization or sexualization. The film avoids an in-depth exploration of his backstory or a misguided attempt to humanize him for audience sympathy. While it recognizes his capacity for charm and manipulation, as well as his photography skills, he remains depicted as neither handsome nor enigmatic. Instead, the film accurately portrays Alcala and other violent men as mediocre, creepy figures who harbor self-loathing.

A Necessary Narrative: Woman of the Hour

Woman of the Hour stands out precisely because it avoids the typical tropes of many true crime endeavors. It neither seeks to unpack the motivations of serial killers—whose actions defy understanding—nor does it recount the narratives of victims who can no longer speak for themselves. Instead, it sheds light on the societal misogyny that delayed Alcala’s apprehension for years, contributing to the tragic loss of innocent lives. The film also highlights how two women managed to survive by navigating a hostile environment ingrained with misogyny, demonstrating that they have to fight for their safety in a world that often fails to protect them.

However, there are vital lessons embedded in the tales of survivors and those let down by biased systems. Woman of the Hour offers women a clear representation of toxic behaviors and violent tendencies in men, as well as the signals of danger they need to heed. The film encourages a discourse surrounding the urgency for law enforcement and society at large to safeguard and support women. Perhaps it truly takes a woman’s perspective to accurately represent male serial killers and to elevate the narratives of victims and survivors over mere sensationalism.

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