The 8-Year Journey Behind Anna Kendrick’s ‘Woman of the Hour’: Why This Film Took So Long to Complete

Anna Kendrick, renowned for her roles in Pitch Perfect and Trolls, has always had a knack for choosing diverse and challenging projects. However, her latest film, Woman of the Hour, released in 2024, stands out for one reason above all—the film’s remarkably extended development period. Based on the true story of a serial killer who appeared on a 1970s dating show, Woman of the Hour had a production timeline that spanned nearly eight years, a feat that is rare in the fast-paced world of filmmaking.

The Long Road to Woman of the Hour

The journey for Woman of the Hour began in 2016 when the script was initially outlined. A crime thriller based on a chilling real-life event, the film tells the story of a serial killer who used the guise of a popular dating show to lure his victims. Given the sensitive nature of its subject matter, it’s no surprise that the development of this project took longer than usual.

Directed by Kendrick herself, who also stars in the film, Woman of the Hour benefited from her deep personal investment in the story, which added complexity to the process. Kendrick’s dual role as both director and lead actress meant she had to carefully balance creative control with the demands of a sensitive and complex narrative. The result was a film that took nearly eight years to come to fruition, premiering at the Toronto International Film Festival in 2023 before its Netflix release in 2024.

Why the Extended Timeline?

While the production timeline for Woman of the Hour was significantly longer than most, it was not simply the result of delayed filming or production issues. The sensitive nature of the story, coupled with Kendrick’s directorial debut, required a meticulous and thoughtful approach. Tackling the story of a serial killer in a documentary-style crime thriller demanded both careful scripting and an honest exploration of difficult subject matter. This, in addition to Kendrick’s involvement as both director and star, inevitably led to a more drawn-out creative process than what would typically be expected for a film of this nature.

This lengthy development is not entirely unusual for projects that involve sensitive or emotionally complex material, but it is relatively rare for a film of this scale and genre. Given that Woman of the Hour took nearly eight years to reach theaters and streaming platforms, it easily surpasses the production periods of other notable films in Kendrick’s career.

Comparing with Other Films in Kendrick’s Career

Kendrick’s other well-known films, such as the Pitch Perfect series and Trolls, had significantly shorter production timelines. The Pitch Perfect franchise, which spanned from 2012 to 2017, had multiple installments, but none of them had individual production timelines that stretched beyond a few years. Similarly, Trolls (2016), an animated film, took approximately 3–5 years to complete, a typical timeline for animated features. However, none of these projects came close to matching the extended timeline of Woman of the Hour.

Animated films like Trolls do generally take a few years to produce due to the complexity of animation, but the scope of Woman of the Hour as both a true-crime thriller and a directorial debut for Kendrick contributed to the project’s much longer production cycle. The combination of factors—Kendrick’s personal investment, the film’s challenging subject matter, and the intricacies of directing and starring in a thriller of this magnitude—are likely what led to the extended timeline.

The Impact on Kendrick’s Career

Woman of the Hour marks a significant milestone in Kendrick’s career. Having already established herself as a versatile actress and singer, the film showcases her growth as a filmmaker. The lengthy production period allowed Kendrick to refine her vision for the project, ultimately resulting in a nuanced and compelling portrayal of a disturbing but important story. The film has already garnered attention for its boldness and emotional depth, and Kendrick’s performance and direction are widely regarded as impressive, making this a defining moment in her career.

The film’s release on Netflix provides a platform for it to reach a global audience, making the extended timeline all the more impactful as it introduces Kendrick’s directorial voice to a wide array of viewers. With the success of Woman of the Hour, Kendrick proves her ability to handle both complex roles and directorial responsibilities, further solidifying her place in Hollywood.

Conclusion

While Woman of the Hour may have taken the longest to complete in Anna Kendrick’s career, it is clear that the extended production period was well worth it. From its challenging subject matter to Kendrick’s dedication as both director and star, the film stands out as an artistic triumph that showcases her range and growth as an artist. Despite the challenges faced during its development, Woman of the Hour has proven to be a transformative project, both for Kendrick’s career and for audiences who are now able to experience this powerful, thought-provoking thriller.