"I think that even my relationship to true crime really changed a few years ago, because I went through something really shocking and traumatic for me. And I really couldn't figure out what had happened. And you know, I don't know if you relate to this, but I'm sure many listeners will that you really beat yourself up and go like, how did I not see? Like how did I not know that that was coming?" — Anna Kendrick
"The aim was always to really center the women's stories. Yeah, I think you did a really amazing job of that." — Ashley Flowers
"And statistically, we're not that likely to meet an honest to God psychopath. We are incredibly likely to meet people who are emotionally incapable of dealing with their own pain and their own shame and having them enacted on us." — Anna Kendrick
The episode features an in-depth conversation between Ashley Flowers and Anna Kendrick, focusing on Kendrick's directorial debut, "Woman of the Hour." Kendrick reveals that her personal experiences with a traumatic event significantly influenced her perspective on true crime and her decision to direct a film centered on a gripping, real-life case. She discusses how the narrative of "Woman of the Hour" evolved from a typical thriller into a story that emphasizes the psychological impact on victims and the pervasive nature of navigating the world as a woman, often requiring constant vigilance for safety.
Kendrick elaborates on the true story behind "Woman of the Hour," which is based on serial killer Rodney Alcala and his appearance on the 1970s dating show, "The Dating Game." She explains that the film uses this framing device to explore themes of trust and perception. While acknowledging the genre's departure from her previous work, Kendrick highlights her dedication to portraying the emotional DNA of the story, drawing parallels between the characters' experiences and the feelings of self-blame and confusion that can arise after experiencing harm. The discussion touches upon the unique challenges women face in certain social interactions and how these dynamics are depicted in the film.
The conversation also delves into Kendrick's personal journey into directing, her motivations for taking on this role, and the intense production schedule. She shares anecdotes about drawing from personal experiences for the film's scenes and discusses the ethical considerations surrounding true crime storytelling. Kendrick emphasizes that "Woman of the Hour" was not a venture for financial gain but a project driven by a desire to tell an important story responsibly, with profits being donated to victim support organizations. The episode concludes with Kendrick and Flowers discussing the broader implications of true crime consumption and the importance of understanding the psychological underpinnings of harmful behavior, while also promoting "Woman of the Hour" on Netflix.