In a thrilling turn of events, Netflix has made its first major acquisition deal at the Toronto Film Festival. The streaming giant is closing in on “Woman of the Hour,” a fact-based thriller that serves as the directorial debut for acclaimed actress Anna Kendrick. The deal is reported to be a staggering $11 million, signifying the high expectations surrounding this captivating film.
While the festival has seen various pictures signing SAG-AFTRA Interim Agreements to allow their cast members to attend, many opted not to pursue this route. The reason lies behind the streamers’ reluctance to enter into quick deals amidst their ongoing battles with both the Writers Guild of America (WGA) and SAG-AFTRA regarding a new agreement. However, “Woman of the Hour” took a daring stance by not signing the IA, thereby paving the way for its deal to be sealed during the festival’s opening weekend.
“Woman of the Hour” delves into the chilling yet stranger-than-fiction story of a young woman who won a date on a popular TV show called “The Dating Game.” Little did she know, her prospective suitor was none other than Rodney Alcala, a notorious serial killer. Alcala was convicted for the murders of at least eight women, although authorities suspect that his victims may number as high as 130. The handsome and charismatic Alcala would lure his victims by posing as a photographer searching for models. Shockingly, he had previously served time as a registered sex offender and had only recently been released from prison. Despite his dark past, he managed to pass the show’s screening process and became a contestant on the Dating Game, concealed behind a wall of anonymity.
In a spine-chilling turn of events, the contestant, Cheryl Bradshaw, portrayed by the talented Anna Kendrick, selected the serial killer as her potential date. However, upon realizing his true nature as a menacing stalker, Bradshaw canceled the date, narrowly avoiding a potential tragedy. The film brings this harrowing tale to life, shedding light on the twisted psyche of individuals like Alcala and the devastating consequences of their actions. Actor Daniel Zovatto takes on the challenging role of playing the date from hell, captivating audiences with his portrayal of pure evil.
“Woman of the Hour” was brought to life thanks to the brilliant screenplay of Ian McDonald. Kendrick not only directed the film but also served as a producer, alongside industry veterans Roy Lee, Stephen Crawford, Andrew Deane, J.D. Lifshitz, and Raphael Margules. The project received financing from Stuart Ford’s AGC Studios, showcasing their dedication to supporting unique and thrilling storytelling.
The deal between Netflix and the creators of “Woman of the Hour” was made possible through the efforts of CAA Media Finance, Range, and AGC Studios. By acquiring this captivating thriller, Netflix continues to prove its commitment to delivering diverse and compelling content to its subscribers worldwide.
In conclusion, “Woman of the Hour” transports audiences into a dark and twisted world, recounting a shocking true story that will leave viewers on the edge of their seats. With Anna Kendrick’s directorial debut and a star-studded cast, this film promises to be a must-see for fans of gripping and thought-provoking cinema. As the first major acquisition at the Toronto Film Festival, “Woman of the Hour” sets the bar high for future captivating acquisitions.
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