Anna Kendrick Donates Fee from Successful True Crime Film

Anna Kendrick, known for her roles in Pitch Perfect and Trolls, recently made headlines for her generous act of donating her fee from the hit Netflix true crime film Woman of the Hour to two victims’ charities. Kendrick not only stars in the movie but also directed it. The film delves into the chilling story of a serial killer who appeared on a 1970s TV dating show amidst his heinous crimes.

In a candid revelation, Kendrick shared that she decided to donate her earnings from the film as she would have felt uncomfortable profiting from such a dark and tragic narrative. She expressed that the thought of making money off the movie only crossed her mind closer to its premiere, and upon reflection, she chose to redirect her fee to charitable causes.

Woman of the Hour not only showcases Kendrick’s talent as a director but also as an actress, portraying Cheryl Bradshaw, who unknowingly encountered the serial killer on The Dating Game in 1978. The film sheds light on the disturbing reality of the killer, Rodney Alcala, who was later convicted of eight murders between 1971 and 1979, with suspicions of his involvement in more than 100 cases of violence against women and girls.

During an interview with Ashley Flowers on SiriusXM’s Crime Junkie AF podcast, Kendrick emphasized the ethical considerations surrounding true crime narratives. She mentioned that her involvement in the project was never driven by financial gain, as all resources were dedicated to bringing the story to life. The revelation of the film’s acquisition by Netflix at the Toronto Film Festival prompted Kendrick to make the decision to donate her earnings to Rainn (the Rape, Abuse & Incest National Network) and the National Centre for Victims of Crime.

Despite the complexities of navigating such a sensitive subject matter, Kendrick felt that donating her fee was the least she could do to support victims’ causes. Woman of the Hour garnered significant viewership, with Netflix reporting the film being watched approximately 23 million times in the initial two weeks following its release.

Kendrick emphasized that the film’s primary focus was to highlight the impact of Alcala’s actions on the individuals who crossed his path, particularly centering on the stories of the women affected. Her altruistic gesture in donating her earnings underscores her commitment to raising awareness and supporting victims of crime.