Critical Conversations

Teaching 'Woman of the Hour': A Feminist Lens in Film

Cara

Cara

— 5 min read
Teaching 'Woman of the Hour': A Feminist Lens in Film

I started watching Woman of the Hour because it popped up on my Netflix, and when my partner Googled it, he saw it had good reviews. And then I was Instagram re-targeted all of Netflix's promotions for the film as well.

What really pushed me to not wait for my partner to watch the movie though, was a Letterboxd promo with Anna Kendrick about her influences for the film, and that excited me to learn more about how she would build horror and dread in the film. Those are the stylistic and technical things we can ask students to work with in order to practice their critical thinking and other "English class" skills.

She describes how Le Bonheur is an influence for her:

“a really great job of creating that absolutely kind of terrifying, skin crawling feeling in a way that really feels like a magic trick. There are movies where, you know, even if you’re not really conscious as you’re watching it, you could probably explain why a certain sequence was so unsettling to you… It’s always hard to describe the way that you’re watching something unfold in a way that’s so pleasant that you’re wondering how is it that I feel like I’m going to be sick when everything in this movie feels beautiful, lovely, saturated, warm. It’s like I want to be at that picnic, but also it feels like the stakes are really life and death.”

Her description of her inspiration intrigued me, because it suggests that she really has to use film as a medium to convey what’s really going on. In film, you want to consider the juxtaposition of what we see (the composition, mise en scene, editing, cinematography, etc.) with the subtext of the scene, the moment. What is the effect? What does it highlight?

I watched the entire movie not realizing it's based on the true story and crimes of the Dating Game Killer, which is also cool to think about because the film itself plays like a little bit of a psychological thriller, eerie horror film. It's only with the final title cards where it feels like a documentary drama. (And these things in itself could make for a discussion of genre...).

Why is Woman of the Hour worth mentioning in your classroom right now?

Well, your students might already be watching or talking about it. It can offer an organic point of connection if you find any of its themes interesting (true crime, serial killers, feminism, patriarchy, horror movies, psychological thrillers, docu-dramas).

The film itself is an understated exploration of feminism, patriarchal structures in our society, and the impact of trauma. Woman of the Hour offers a powerful lens through which to examine social issues that resonate deeply with our students.

For high school English teachers, this film is more than a timely release (it came out on Netflix on October 18th) —it’s a compelling springboard for meaningful classroom discussions and critical reflection.

Here’s why Woman of the Hour deserves a place in your curriculum, whether that's...

  • as an enrichment activity
  • as an activator for a unit on feminist literature or power structures
  • as an extra credit assignment
  • as a one off lesson/discussion to challenge your students

Watching Woman of the Hour can help students develop empathy, analytical skills, and a nuanced understanding of contemporary social dynamics.

1. A Timely Exploration of Feminism and Gender Power Dynamics
Woman of the Hour illustrates the subtle darker side of Hollywood and societal power structures, sparking reflection on how these forces impact individual lives, particularly women’s lives. Kendrick’s portrayal of the protagonist navigating a toxic reality makes it a rich resource for examining how media, patriarchy, and public opinion shape the female experience. For students, this is an opportunity to question gender-based power dynamics and reflect on the challenges of navigating today’s world.

2. Relatable and Complex Characters
Kendrick’s directorial debut presents female characters that feel authentic, relatable, and layered. This depth allows students to analyze character motivation, interpersonal dynamics, and moral ambiguity, bringing new dimension to any discussion of character study or narrative voice. By encouraging students to explore the depiction of the women, we invite them to consider the impact of trauma, resilience, and the choices people make under societal pressure.

Note that most of the male characters are 2-dimensional. To me, this seems to be done on purpose so that they can starkly contrast Rodney Alcala's character. For the less critical thinking male students, this might be triggering or frustrating. You might encourage them to focus more on the characterization of the women in the film, and point out the other male-centric texts you'll be engaging with throughout the year.

3. Opening the Door to Broader Social Themes
At its core, Woman of the Hour is a story about power, manipulation, and resistance, but its themes branch out to cover issues of abuse, trauma, and societal judgment. This makes it a great introduction to units on feminist literature, media literacy, or studies of societal expectations and their effects. Discussions can easily expand to other works that tackle similar themes, from classic feminist texts to modern media that questions authority and societal values.

4. Engaging Critical Thinking and Ethical Inquiry
Teaching this film encourages students to go beyond plot and character analysis, asking them to grapple with ethical questions and social commentary. What role does society play in perpetuating damaging stereotypes? How does media influence our perceptions of justice and right versus wrong? Such questions invite students to develop their own insights while challenging them to think critically about the messages they consume.

5. Relevance to Current Events and Youth Culture
Woman of the Hour taps into themes and discussions that are trending now, making it especially engaging for students who see elements of these issues reflected in their own lives or in the media. By tying the curriculum to current events, we make learning more relatable and encourage students to see classroom discussions as meaningful beyond the school walls.

6. Ideal for Multi-Disciplinary Approaches
This film offers educators an ideal opportunity to integrate concepts from media studies, psychology, and ethics. By examining the film from these multiple perspectives, students can gain a more holistic understanding of its themes, allowing them to discuss topics like media ethics, psychological trauma, and societal expectations in a meaningful, informed way.

Conclusion:
In teaching Woman of the Hour, you'll be able to bring a fresh and relevant film into the classroom that sparks conversation and critical thinking, making it an ideal addition to any English or Film Studies curriculum. Whether you’re guiding a discussion on feminism and patriarchy, analyzing characterization, unpacking genre tropes and rules, or dissecting societal commentary, Kendrick’s film offers a thoughtful and engaging resource for today’s students.

Not sure where to start?