In October, the movie actress Anna Kendrick directed and starred in, “Woman of the Hour” debuted on Netflix.
The movie, which depicts the true story of actress Sheryl Bradshaw and serial killer Rodney Alcala, quickly became the number one movie on the streaming platform.
(Warning: The below link contains language some may find offensive.)
While a guest on the Crime Junkie AF podcast, Kendrick opened up about making the movie, highlighting violence against women.
“This was never a money-making venture for me,” she said of her decision to make this movie.
“Eventually, Netflix bought the movie. But it wasn’t until, like, the week before TIFF [Toronto International Film Festival] that I thought, ‘Oh, this movie’s gonna make money.”
And it was after that thought that Kendrick asked herself a question.
“I asked myself the question of, ‘Do you feel gross about this?’ And I did,” she admitted.
“So, I’m not making money off of the movie,” Kendrick continued. “The money is going to — or has gone to — RAINN and to the National Center for Victims of Violent Crime,”two nonprofit organizations that aim to help sexual assault victims and survivors.
“That felt like the least that I could do,” Kendrick admitted.
For the last couple of years, Kendrick has spoke out about her own experience in an abusive relationship.
(Warning: The below link contains language some may find offensive.)
Most recently, she told “Call Her Daddy” host Alex Cooper that her experience “didn’t follow the traditional pattern,” which made it “really difficult to identify it and name it as abusive.”
“This conversation is really complicated for me,” Kendrick explained when asked to talk the signs in her relationship she might have missed.
“It’s hard for me because there are even times when I talk about my situation where, as I’m saying it, I will go, ‘Am I making that up? Am I making everything up?’”
As a result, she told Variety in a separate interview that she doesn’t “think it’s an accident that I responded to this script at a time when I’d just been through something really devastating and traumatic and that really changed my worldview.”
After sharing her decision to donate her salary, Scott Berkowitz, founder and president for RAINN, shared a statement, per Variety.
“We’re so grateful to Anna Kendrick for her support of RAINN and all survivors, and for being a compassionate storyteller when it comes to raising awareness of sexual violence. Her donation will help us continue to provide free, 24/7 support through RAINN’s National Sexual Assault Hotline.”
As did Renée Williams, CEO of the National Center for Victims of Violent Crime.
“In a world where the true crime genre often sensationalizes tragedy, Anna’s work in ‘Woman of the Hour’ stands out as a beacon of compassion and leadership,” she said after thanking Kendrick for her donation.
“By advocating for a victim-centered approach, she is helping to reshape narratives that prioritize the dignity of those affected by crime. Her commitment to uplifting survivor stories reminds us that behind every statistic, and true crime ‘story’ is a human being with a powerful story to tell.”
“Anna’s support sends a strong message that we can engage with hard truths while honoring the experiences of victims and survivors. It’s about creating a culture that listens, validates, and empowers those who have been through unimaginable pain,” Williams concluded her statement.