Anna Kendrick’s feature film debut gives a chilling look at how women have to be aware of everything all the time, as she brings to the screen a true story of a serial killer and rapist, and his unlikely appearance on The Dating Game and may be the bachelor Sheryl (Kendrick) chooses from the three hidden contestants.

Sliding back and forth through the 70s, we are introduced to Sheryl, who has dreams of being an actor, but in an industry dominated by the white male, she keeps coming up against sexist problems. While we’re introduced to Sheryl, we also join some of the less fortunate women who crossed the path of Rodney Alcala (Daniel Zovatto).

It’s horrifying and chilling the way the narrative plays out and Kendrick handles it brilliantly, she crafts some truly unnerving moments, and also able to create some wonderfully funny ones as Sheryl stays true to herself when on air, and Tony Hale turns in a fun performance as the show’s host.

We see Rodney and his interactions with a number of victims, including Amy (Autumn Best) who survived his assault and was the woman who escaped and got him arrested. There’s also Laura (Nicolette Robinson), one of her best friends stayed at a party with Rodney, and ended up raped and murdered, and now, Laura is confronted with his appearance on the show, and how no one believes her when she attempts to draw attention to him.

The narrative is fictionalized for film while staying true to the spirit of the events, and Kendrick uses the film brilliantly to deliver a commentary on society is stacked against women from the get-go, and that they have to be aware of everything at all times just to stay safe on a daily basis.

This idea was horrifyingly illustrated in the after show drinks Sheryl has with Rodney, and how things shift from okay to completely uncomfortable with just a moment. And that walk to the car in the dark parking lot can be one of the most frightening things ever, and it happens every day.

It’s smart, chilling, and entertaining, and shows that Kendrick has the chops to make a great film, and honestly, I can’t wait to see what she does next.

A solid film that strays from the facts only to deliver a strong narrative, Woman of the Hour is entertaining, intelligent and shows that Kendrick is a force to be reckoned with in front of and behind the camera.