Introduction: When the Spotlight Isn’t Safe

Woman of the Hour is a riveting, unsettling journey into the heart of 1970s America—a time when sexism, celebrity, and violence collided on live television. Anna Kendrick’s film tells the true story of Sheryl Bradshaw, a struggling actress who, in her search for a break, finds herself face-to-face with a serial killer on national TV. More than a crime drama, this is a story about the dangers of being unheard, the courage to trust your instincts, and the power of claiming your own story. For creative leaders, Sheryl’s journey is a mirror: you are the storyteller of your own life. Will you create your legend, or let others write it for you?

Plot Summary: Danger in Plain Sight

Sheryl Bradshaw is an aspiring actress in Los Angeles, pressured by her agent to appear on The Dating Game for exposure123. Unbeknownst to her, Bachelor #3 is Rodney Alcala—a charming, manipulative serial killer. As the show unfolds, a studio audience member, Laura, recognizes Alcala from a friend’s murder but is dismissed by those around her. Sheryl, trusting the process, selects Alcala as her date but ultimately listens to her instincts and cancels13. The film also follows Alcala’s other victims, including Amy, a runaway who narrowly escapes and helps bring him to justice. The postscript reveals the staggering toll of Alcala’s crimes and the cost of voices ignored138.

The Hero’s Journey and 12 Archetypes in Woman of the Hour

Hero’s Journey Stage	Archetype(s)	Description in the Story	Reflection for Creative Leaders
Ordinary World	Everyman	Sheryl is a struggling actress, blending into the crowd in LA.	Where are you waiting for your “big break” or playing it safe?
Call to Adventure	Explorer	Her agent urges her to join The Dating Game for exposure.	What new, uncomfortable challenge is calling you forward?
Refusal of the Call	Orphan	Sheryl doubts the show’s value, feeling it’s shallow and risky	When have you doubted your instincts or felt unworthy of opportunity?
Meeting the Mentor	Sage	Advice from her agent and friends, but also her own intuition.	Who are your mentors—and do you truly listen to their wisdom?
Crossing the Threshold	Rebel	Sheryl steps onto the set, entering a world of hidden dangers.	When have you stepped into the unknown, despite discomfort?
Tests, Allies, Enemies	Warrior, Trickster, Lover	Laura tries to warn others; Sheryl faces the show’s pressures and unseen threats.	Who supports or challenges you? Are you being truly heard?
Approach to the Inmost Cave	Creator	The game show becomes a crucible; Sheryl must trust her instincts on live TV.	What situation is forcing you to create a new response or solution?
Ordeal	Hero	The truth about Rodney’s identity and intentions emerges; Sheryl chooses self-preservation.	How do you act when your safety or values are threatened?
Reward	Ruler	Sheryl escapes harm, but the cost is high for others; she claims her own story.	What do you gain or lose by standing for yourself?
The Road Back	Caregiver	Amy’s escape and testimony help bring Rodney to justice.	How do you support others after a crisis?
Resurrection	Magician	Sheryl leaves California, forging a new life on her terms.	How have your greatest challenges transformed you?
Return with the Elixir	Sage	The story warns others, giving voice to the silenced.	What wisdom will you share from your journey?

Reflections for Creative Leaders

• Ordinary World: Where are you blending in, waiting for someone else to notice you?
• Call to Adventure: What challenge is nudging you out of your comfort zone?
• Refusal of the Call: When have you ignored your intuition, only to regret it later?
• Meeting the Mentor: Who are your guides, and do you trust their advice—or your own?
• Crossing the Threshold: When have you taken a risk, knowing it could change everything?
• Tests, Allies, Enemies: Who truly supports you, and who dismisses your warnings?
• Approach to the Inmost Cave: What crucible is demanding your creativity and courage?
• Ordeal: How do you act under pressure when your values are tested?
• Reward: What have you gained by standing up for yourself, and what has it cost you?
• The Road Back: How do you help others after surviving your own ordeal?
• Resurrection: What new strengths have you discovered through adversity?
• Return with the Elixir: What lessons will you share to help others write their own stories?

Conclusion: Your Story, Your Power

Woman of the Hour is a haunting reminder that the stories we tell—and the ones we ignore—shape our fate. Sheryl’s journey urges us to trust our instincts, listen to those who warn us, and claim authorship over our own narrative. As creative leaders, your legend is not written by circumstance, but by the choices you make under pressure.

Questions to Take Away

• Where are you on your own hero’s journey?
• Which archetype do you most embody—and which do you need to develop?
• When have you silenced your intuition or ignored warning signs?
• Who are your mentors and allies—and do you truly listen to them?
• What story do you want to tell about your leadership and your legacy?

Story Coaching with Peter de Kuster

Are you ready to become the hero of your own story? My story coaching is designed for creative leaders, entrepreneurs, and professionals who want to transform their narrative and unlock their full potential.

Who is this for?

• Creative professionals and leaders seeking clarity and inspiration
• Anyone ready to move beyond old stories and create a new legend for themselves

Benefits:

• Clarity on your purpose and mission
• Tools to rewrite limiting stories and unlock new possibilities
• A personalized Hero’s Journey map for your life and business
• Greater confidence, creativity, and impact

Price:
One hour online coaching session: €295 (excluding VAT)

Ready to take the next step?
Contact me at peter@wearesomeone.nl

Because your story is your life. And you are the storyteller.