First look at Anna Kendrick's new movie based on a real-life killer

anna kendrick in a black dress with vine tomatoes, holding a microphone behind her back
First look at Anna Kendrick's new movieGabe Ginsberg - Getty Images

Alice, Darling and Pitch Perfect star Anna Kendrick is making her directorial debut with Woman of the Hour, a film about a real-life serial killer.

The first-look image of the film sees Kendrick sitting in the chair of famous TV show The Dating Game (essentially the US version of Blind Date), with three men on the other side of the set's wall.

The serial killer in question is Rodney Alcala, a man conclusively linked to eight murders, but believed to be responsible for many more.

woman of the hour image, a 1970s tv studio called the dating game, with anna kendrick and tony hale on one side of a wall, and three men on stools on the other side
Signature Entertainment

Related: Anna Kendrick says her past experience in an abusive relationship affected Alice, Darling role

In the middle of his killing spree, he appeared on the TV show and was described as a "successful photographer" who also enjoyed skydiving and motorcycling. In reality, he managed to convince hundreds of people to pose naked in photographs for him.

Although Alcala won a date with his episode's bachelorette Cheryl Bradshaw, she refused to go on the date with him. Kendrick will play Bradshaw in the film, while Veep's Tony Hale can be see as host Jim Lange.

The film will premiere at the Toronto International Film Festival, after a lengthy development that saw the script float around in 2017, and following a brief period of time where Netflix had ownership of the film and Kendrick was only signed on to star.

anna kendrick in a black dress with vine tomatoes, holding a microphone behind her back
Gabe Ginsberg - Getty Images

Related: Anna Kendrick shares Pitch Perfect reunion video

"While I was obviously thrilled to be playing the character of Cheryl, I felt so connected to the story, the tone, and the themes around gender and intimacy, that when the opportunity came up to direct the film, I jumped at it," Kendrick said.

"It feels meant to be. The support I’ve received already from Stuart Ford and everyone at AGC, Vertigo and BoulderLight has been inspiring and empowering."

Woman of the Hour will be released by Signature Entertainment in the UK. A release date has yet to be confirmed.

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