Whether we accept it or not, men tend to be treated more favorably than women in almost every profession. Despite the #METOO movement and ongoing efforts for equality and diversity, the situation seems rather dark and surreal, as if someone is trying to appease everyone for a moment and then falls back on the same old prejudices. Sexism remains a significant problem. Recently in Toronto, a woman tragically died at the hands of her ex-boyfriend, even though she reported him to the police and expressed concern that he might harm her. Sadly, her request was denied and she met a terrible fate. Victims often find themselves without rights or opportunities to express their fears, while persuasive and charming perpetrators have no trouble convincing others of their innocence. However, what goes on behind closed doors, and the sudden transition from pleasant appearance to malevolence, is often overlooked.
Set in the 1970s, the film revolves around the struggles of Cheryl Bradshaw, a budding actress who follows her agent’s advice to appear on a popular live television show In “The Dating Game,” she must choose a man from three contestants. Rodney Alcala, a serial rapist, was one of these contestants who had a knack for delivering the right answers to win over the audience. Although a viewer recognized him as the potential murderer, her pleas to draw attention to Alcala’s darker side fell on deaf ears. As the show continued with random questions, Alcala easily continued his killing spree.
I must emphasize that “The Woman Is Now” is the most captivating, shocking, and disturbing true crime thriller that will blow you to your core. Screenwriter Ian McAllister Macdonald has masterfully crafted an engaging script that allows the actors to fully embody their characters. Anna Kendrick, in her dual roles as the film’s director and star, brilliantly embodies Cheryl Bradshaw, the woman who might have inadvertently chosen Alcala as her date. Cheryl is no ordinary woman looking for a pleasant and handsome partner. She’s smart, thinks outside the box, and, like everyone else, struggles to find her place in the world. Importantly, she was not deceived by Alcala’s appearance.
Each story strives to win the approval of a broad audience. But Kendrick’s movie is more than that. The moment you meet Alcala, he makes sure evil is portrayed the way it should be, thanks to Daniel Zovatto’s incredible performance. His performance is so nuanced that it’s sometimes scary to watch him. But the film’s finale belongs to Autumn Best, who portrays a teen on the run from her family. She meets Alcala. She is young and naive. She thought this man would take a picture of her and maybe, she would become famous. Of course she will. But not the way she expected.
We don’t know what would have happened if she hadn’t asked the following question after regaining consciousness: “Are you okay?” It was as if she was not the one being attacked, but him. A minute later she asked him: “Please don’t tell anyone about this. I’ll be embarrassed. This moment will haunt you forever. It’s the most heartbreaking thing, but maybe the only thing that saves time for survival.” Nicolette Robinson gives a mesmerizing performance as the desperate woman who is the only person in the show who recognizes Alcala. Sadly, no one cares, not even the police. That’s the problem. Smart, beautiful, outgoing people are the ones who win people’s hearts. But that’s just a mask that’s always worn in public to deceive others, and once the door closes, it’s just another one. Outrageous story.
