‘Woman of The Hour’: Netflix acquires Anna Kendrick’s thriller film for $11 million at TIFF 2023

Netflix has made its first major acquisition at the Toronto Film Festival by closing a deal for "Woman of the Hour," a fact-based thriller that marks Anna Kendrick's directorial debut, according to a Deadline report. The streaming giant reportedly secured the film for around $11 million.

While some films signed SAG-AFTRA Interim Agreements to ensure their cast members' participation in the festival, "Woman of the Hour" did not, leading to this early acquisition.

‘Woman of the Hour’: Plot

The film tells a chilling true story about a young woman who won a date on the popular show "The Dating Game" with a man who turned out to be a notorious serial killer, Rodney Alcala. Alcala was convicted of murdering at least eight women, with estimates suggesting the number could be as high as 130. His charming facade as a photographer looking for models masked his sinister nature. He managed to appear on "The Dating Game," where contestant Cheryl Bradshaw (played by Kendrick) unwittingly chose him. Fortunately, she sensed something was amiss and never went on the date.

Daniel Zovatto plays the sinister date, and the film made its premiere as a Special Presentation at the festival. Ian McDonald penned the script, with Kendrick producing alongside Roy Lee, BoulderLight Pictures' J.D. Lifshitz and Raphael Margules, and executive producers Stephen Crawford and Andrew Deane, with co-producer Tracy Rosenblum. Stuart Ford's AGC Studios provided financing for the project.

The deal was brokered by CAA Media Finance in collaboration with Range Media Partners, marking Netflix's significant move at TIFF 2023.

FAQs:

Who is Anna Kendrick?

Anna Kendrick is an American actress, singer, and author. She was born on August 9, 1985, in Portland, Maine, USA. Kendrick began her acting career at a young age and gained recognition for her role in the Broadway musical "High Society," which earned her a Tony Award nomination. She transitioned to film acting and became widely known for her performances in movies like "Twilight," "Pitch Perfect," "Up in the Air," and "Into the Woods."

What is the plot for ‘Woman of the Hour’?

The film tells a chilling true story about a young woman who won a date on the popular show "The Dating Game" with a man who turned out to be a notorious serial killer, Rodney Alcala. Alcala was convicted of murdering at least eight women, with estimates suggesting the number could be as high as 130.

1. Who is Anna Kendrick?
   Anna Kendrick is an American actress, singer, and author. She was born on August 9, 1985, in Portland, Maine, USA. Kendrick began her acting career at a young age and gained recognition for her role in the Broadway musical "High Society," which earned her a Tony Award nomination. She transitioned to film acting and became widely known for her performances in movies like "Twilight," "Pitch Perfect," "Up in the Air," and "Into the Woods."
2. What is the plot for ‘Woman of the Hour’?
   The film tells a chilling true story about a young woman who won a date on the popular show "The Dating Game" with a man who turned out to be a notorious serial killer, Rodney Alcala. Alcala was convicted of murdering at least eight women, with estimates suggesting the number could be as high as 130.