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Warning: SPOILERS lie ahead for Woman of the Hour!
After garnering some of the best reviews of her career, Anna Kendrick is explaining Woman of the Hour‘s 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 spree as a serial killer 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 with Netflix’s TUDUM, shared insights into Woman of the Hour‘s final moments in which Amy, a runaway teen played by Autumn Best, narrowly escapes Alcala, though abruptly cuts to black following her gasping breath. Kendrick explained that this choice was meant to mirror the nature of unresolved trauma, where surviving a traumatic event doesn’t guarantee closure, while also going on to recall that Sheryl and Alcala’s final scene in which she confronts him nearly didn’t happen as “nothing was feeling right“. See what Kendrick explained below:
It felt important to me to connect these women to nature for several reasons, but one of which was, I kind of wanted to put them in places that spoke to the vastness of their life beyond this moment. It’s a 90-minute movie. There’s only so much screen time that everybody can have. And I wanted — in spite of the way that we’re meeting them — I wanted their environment to reflect the beauty and the fullness of their whole life before that and what they should have had after.
Ian and I were debating whether maybe there’s a little bit of dialogue or a conversation between Sheryl and her neighbor at the end of the movie, and nothing was feeling right, and Ian suddenly suggested like, “Well, what if Sheryl just stands her ground in the hallway, and he has to move around her?” I think I threw my highlighter across the room — I was so excited. McDonald has this great way of illustrating the complexity of a victory that’s small, but it’s meaningful to that character.
What This Means For Woman Of The Hour’s Ending
The Film Continues A Recent Trend Of Trauma & Ambiguous Storytelling
Kendrick’s insights into Woman of the Hour‘s ending emphasize a growing trend in cinematic narratives that embrace unresolved endings, particularly in stories centered around trauma. By forgoing neat resolutions, filmmakers can better capture the chaotic and unpredictable nature of real-life experiences. This approach challenges audiences to engage more critically with the material, prompting discussions about the lasting effects of trauma and the importance of acknowledging its complexity.
Moreover, the choice to leave Woman of the Hour’s conclusion open-ended reinforces the idea that not all endings should be resolved. By embracing ambiguity, the film encourages viewers to reflect on their own experiences and their own perception of trauma. This shift towards more realistic storytelling can resonate with audiences who have faced similar struggles, fostering a deeper connection to the characters and their experiences.
Related
Woman Of The Hour Fact Check: Did Rodney Alcala Really Have 130 Victims?
Woman of the Hour’s epilogue reveals Rodney Alcala had close to 130 victims, making it hard not to wonder if the real number was actually that high.
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 deeper narratives, stories like Woman of the Hour contribute to a new wave of filmmaking that prioritizes emotional truth in its structure.
Our Take On Woman Of The Hour’s Ending
An Important Example Of Ambiguous Storytelling
The choice to embrace open-ended conclusions, as demonstrated in Woman of the Hour, signifies a meaningful shift in how trauma narratives are approached in cinema. By allowing space for ambiguity, filmmakers not only honor the intricacies of real-life experiences but also encourage audiences to engage with the material on a more profound level. This approach can lead to richer conversations about the nature and outcomes of survival, ultimately reshaping how stories are told and perceived.
Source: TUDUM
Woman of the Hour is a biographical thriller directed by Anna Kendrick, who also stars in the film. The movie chronicles the infamous real-life story of Cheryl Bradshaw’s appearance on the 1978 edition of The Dating Game, where one of the contestants, Rodney Alcala, would later be revealed as a notorious serial killer. The film delves into the chilling intersection of entertainment and true crime.
- Director
- Anna Kendrick
- Release Date
- September 26, 2023
- Studio(s)
- AGC Studios , Vertigo Entertainment , BoulderLight Pictures
- Distributor(s)
- Netflix
- Writers
- Ian MacAllister McDonald
- Cast
- Anna Kendrick , Daniel Zovatto , Autumn Best , Andy Thompson , David Beairsto , Tighe Gill , Bonnie Hay , Thomas Strumpski , Nicolette Robinson , Kathryn Gallagher , Kelley Jakle , Tony Hale
- Character(s)
- Cheryl Bradshaw , Rodney Alcala , Amy , Bob , Rodney’s Boss , Bachelor , Bartender , Laundromat Owner
- Runtime
- 94 Minutes
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