Woman of the Hour

NZ release: 18 October 2024

Offensive language, sexual violence themes Rated on: 18 October 2024

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:

Further information

Recent featured decisions

25 March 2026

Sgt. Haane

Sgt Haane

Violence

A documentary that tells the true story of Sergeant Haane Manahi, a hero of the 28th Māori Battalion, whose actions during the 1943 battle at Takrouna, Tunisia, were pivotal in securing a critical victory for the Allies.

Read more

22 May 2025

Violence, offensive language, drug use & content that may disturb

Four slacker friends on a rural New Year's getaway stumble across their reclusive host's deadly stash: a killer strain of weed that makes unsuspecting stoners crave human flesh.

Read more