The best thriller movie to watch on Netflix just released in October 2024

During the fall season, which has become popularly known these days as "spooky season," most of us prefer to watch horror movies and thrillers leading up to Halloween. Thankfully, Netflix has plenty of horror movie titles streaming right now or coming soon that you will want to add to your watch list.

But if jump scares and gore aren't quite your cup of tea, the best new Netflix original thriller movie was released on Oct. 18. Woman of the Hour comes from Academy Award nominated actress Anna Kendrick, who makes her directorial debut with the film that's based on a chilling true story.

Here's a little bit more about the movie's plot via Netflix:

"The stranger-than-fiction story of an aspiring actress in 1970s Los Angeles and a serial killer in the midst of a yearslong murder spree, whose lives intersect when they’re cast on an episode of The Dating Game."

Kendrick plays Cheryl Bradshaw, an aspiring actress who appears on an episode of The Dating Game. She becomes the new object of obsession for serial killer Rodney Alcala, played by Daniel Zovatto. Alcala ended up sentenced for at least seven known murders, though his actual number of victims has been estimated to be as high as in the hundreds.

Woman of the Hour is now streaming on Netflix

Upon its Oct. 18 release on Netflix, Woman of the Hour has garnered widespread acclaim, earning a 92% fresh rating on Rotten Tomatoes based on almost 100 reviews. The overall review consensus finds critics agreeing that Kendrick's freshman directorial effort hits it out of the park as she carefully crafts a "powerful examination of the intersection between systemic misogyny and violence."

Woman of the Hour first premiered at the Toronto International Film Festival in September 2023, where the bulk of its reviews originated. But now that it's out on Netflix and in the court of public opinion, prospective viewers will likely want to know whether or not they should add the movie to their watch list. According to critics, you don't want to skip the new thriller movie.

IndieWire's review lauded Kendrick and likened her work to Alfred Hitchcock:

"Kendrick’s image as an actor isn’t necessarily tied to dark, edgy material, but as a director she shows a talent for staging scenes of Hitchcockian suspense alongside her signature wit."

- Katie Rife, IndieWire

The Daily Beast's review praised the still relevant message within the movie:

"A true-crime thriller that also operates as a damning commentary on societal misogyny—especially in Hollywood—it’s as chillingly sharp and canny as its deranged fiend."

- Nick Schager, The Daily Beast

The Playlist's review again gave Anna Kendrick's directing deserved flowers:

"The debut feature of an intelligent, intuitive, film-literate actor-turned-director who has clearly spent their career working, watching, and taking notes."

- Jason Bailey, The Playlist

Woman of the Hour isn't an easy watch in the least, considering the film is based on the true story of a serial killer who targeted, assaulted, and ultimately killed women. But sometimes the most uncomfortable movies are the most important because they have a point of view and ask urgent questions. Kendrick does just that and offers an entertaining and thought-provoking first run in the director's chair.

For fans of Anna Kendrick, there should be no hesitation about watching the movie. She's taking a new step as an artist, having already proven to master her talents as an actor, author, and singer. But if you're a fan of her work in comedy titles like Pitch Perfect, Scott Pilgrim vs. the World, Up in the Air, and Trolls, be warned that Woman of the Hour is not that. It's a bit more in line with A Simple Favor, Twilight, and The Accountant.

Before tuning in on Netflix, watch the official trailer in the video below!

Watch Woman of the Hour only on Netflix.