The Truth Behind Anna Kendrick’s Directorial Debut—And Why She Refused to Profit from It!

Anna Kendrick has made a significant impact not just with her talent in front of the camera, but also with her efforts behind it. In addition to her role as the star of the crime thriller Woman of the Hour, Kendrick has shown a deep commitment to supporting women’s causes by donating her entire salary from the project to charities that assist women.

Woman of the Hour, which premiered at the Toronto International Film Festival in September 2023 and was later released by Netflix in October 2024, marks Kendrick’s directorial debut. The film, based on the true story of serial killer Rodney Alcala, known as the “Dating Game Killer,” explores the lives of his victims and the chilling circumstances surrounding his crimes. Kendrick not only directed the film but also produced and starred in the role of Sheryl Bradshaw, the contestant on The Dating Game who unknowingly appeared alongside Alcala during his killing spree.

The film, which takes a sobering and nuanced approach to the victims’ stories, has been praised for its sensitive portrayal of the women affected by Alcala’s actions. While Alcala’s confirmed victims total eight, some speculate that he may have murdered up to 130 people. The movie’s exploration of systemic misogyny and violence against women struck a personal chord with Kendrick, leading her to make a bold decision regarding her earnings from the project.

During a recent interview with SiriusXM, Kendrick explained that her involvement with Woman of the Hour was as much about processing her own trauma as it was about creating an important conversation about the experiences of Alcala’s victims. The themes of the film, which delve into the dark realities of misogyny and abuse, resonated with Kendrick, who has spoken in the past about her experience in an emotionally abusive relationship, which also inspired her performance in the 2022 film Alice, Darling.

Kendrick reflected on the financial aspect of her involvement in the film, saying, “Once I realised, ‘Oh there’s going to be money exchanging hands,’ I asked myself the question, ‘Do you feel gross about this?’ And I did. So I’m not making money off the movie. The money has gone to RAINN and the National Center for Victims of Crime.”

Her donation to these organizations, including the National Center for Victims of Crime, which provides resources for survivors of violent crimes, and RAINN (Rape, Abuse & Incest National Network), a leading anti-sexual assault organization, showcases Kendrick’s dedication to the cause and her desire to use her platform to make a positive difference.

Kendrick’s decision to donate her salary is a powerful statement about her commitment to addressing the issues of violence against women and the systemic problems that perpetuate such crimes. “I think that it’s still a complicated area, but that felt like certainly… the least that I should do,” she said.

As Kendrick continues to expand her career both in front of and behind the camera, her work on Woman of the Hour serves as a testament to her dedication to using her voice and influence to shed light on crucial social issues, particularly those that affect women. Her decision to forgo the financial rewards of her directorial debut to support women’s charities not only underscores her personal values but also sets an example for others in the entertainment industry.