In 1978, Cheryl Bradshaw, is an inspiring actress trying to get her big break in acting in LA. Her agent books her into a spot on The Dating Game, and thinking it is her big chance – takes it.
Little does she know is one of the “bachelors” is a sadistic serial killer Rodney Alcala, who has been killing for nearly a decade.
Direction
Sensationally directed by lead star Anna Kendrick in her debut as director.
She gives such brilliant moments of talent behind the camera, with special mention to several key moments.
The constant ‘conversations’ in reflections are very well done, and add a level of ‘disconnect’ towards characters – especially as Cheryl feels ‘lost’ in her time in LA.
Cheryl and Rodney’s date following their time on the television set is one of my favourite parts of the film. It is coloured in red, and is completely void of any non diegeitc sound. This is when Cheryl begins to suspect Rodney is not the gentleman he appeared to be earlier on. They also do not appear in the same frame, adding to their disconnect.
Finally the ‘car-park’ walk, where Cheryl has ended her date. The back and forth between them, and Rodney’s change of attitude is brilliantly acted.
Cast/Characters
Anna Kendrick, who typically gives more comedic roles, gets to show her dramatic abilities as well here. Even though she is the top billed, and ‘main star’ – she is not the best part of the film.
Costa-Rican actor Daniel Zovatto is mesmarising as Alcala. He brings such a nuanced performance, he plays the warm, and empathetic gentleman – who quickly changes into the malicious and sociopath killer at the drop of a hat. He is simply flawless in the role, and I wish him all the best for a great career, and look forward to seeing him in more.
Tony Hale is brilliant as the ‘fictionalised’ version of the Dating Game host Ed Burke. He adds a level of comedy to the role in his misogynistic television host (and reportedly the complete opposite caricature of the real host of the time Jim Lange who was considered to be gentleman).
It is Autumn Best, who gets my MVP. She plays the 1979 ‘victim’ Amy, who manages to both escape Alcala, and be the one responsible for his capture. Her screen-time against Zovatto is also simply breathtaking, and it will leave you on the edge of your seat.
Comedian Pete Holmes also appears in a bookend role that does feel like it was written for someone else.
Breakdown
Set in the ‘me’ decade of the 1970’s, the look and feel of the time is practically flawless. The film has a ‘non linear’ narrative, which does confuse very early on (this is only because the years change from 1977, to 1978, to 1979 within the first 20 minutes of the film), as the years go back and forth. This becomes easier to navigate once the narrative structure becomes stronger.
Rodney gets ample screen time as his time in the 70’s is shown in the non linear timeline. This starts with when we are introduced to him in 1977 – with the woman in the desert. We also have moments in 1971 (the woman in the apartment), another moment in 1977 (when the police come to question him), and then in 1979 with Amy.
One other moment that was very brief that I found substantial in the strength of Cheryl was how she reacted to having her hair caressed. In an early scene with Holmes’ Terry – she jerks back at his efforts to be affectionate. When Alcala does it later in the film, you can see she ‘stops herself’ and lets him do it – despite clearly not wanting anything to do with him.
One issue I did have with the narrative, was that we spent too much time with Cheryl and her story. The fact Amy goes on to be the more strong willed victim, and the eventual protagonist of the story bringing Alcala down. I wish we had more time with her, as this was the stronger of the story-points.
Overall
Wonderfully directorial debut from Kendrick, has some brilliant scenes, and sensational performances, especially from Daniel Zovatto and Autumn Best.
A very strong narrative structure, which is made even more frightening that it is based on a true story, and the real life Alcala was way more frightening than he is made to appear on screen here.
A very strong recommend!
4.5/5
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