Woman of the Hour

What’s it about?

This film, based on real-life events, follows Sheryl Bradshaw, a single woman looking for love on a hit 1970s TV show. She chooses charming bachelor Rodney Alcala, unaware that behind the man's gentle facade, he's a serial killer.

The facts

• Anna Kendrick’s directorial debut
• Stars Anna Kendrick, Daniel Zovatto, Tony Hale
• English language
• Runtime: 95 minutes
• Netflix original

Why did it get this rating?

This film was self-rated by Netflix. You can find out more about self-rating by streaming providers here.

Offensive language

Characters use offensive language including “f*ck”, “sh*t”, “c*nt”, “a*shole”, “p*ssy” and “b*tch”.

On a game show, women’s bodies are talked about in a sexual way, and phrases like “eat me”, “blow me” and getting “laid” are said.

Sexual violence and cruelty

Serial killer Rodney Alcala murders women by strangling them, in some cases raping them first. The rapes are discussed, not shown, but the conversation details what’s happened. This could be upsetting for anyone who has been impacted by sexual violence.

The murders aren’t shown in full, but the viewer still gets a sense of the cruelty and violence involved. In one instance, Alcala kills a woman, resuscitates her, and although the camera cuts away, it's implied he kills her again. In another scene, a woman’s lifeless body is shown on a bed, with blood on the rug below her.

Alcala keeps an album containing suggestive photos of women, assumed to be his victims, and some of them appear to be underage. At one point he shows a man photos of a strangled woman.

Helplines:

The sexual violence could be upsetting for some viewers, especially for those who have gone through similar experiences. If you are struggling with what you have seen on-screen please reach out for help. If you or someone you know needs to talk:

• Women’s Refuge
• 1737
• Safe to talk
• Lifeline
• Youthline

Further information

• Why are ratings and content warnings important for me and my whānau? - Blog 
• Anna Kendrick Explains Woman of the Hour’s Haunting Ending - Tudum (By Netflix)