Anna Kendrick Shares ‘Icky’ Experience with Director’s Power Play

Anna Kendrick recently opened up about a disconcerting incident with a director that left her feeling uncomfortable and exposed. On the “Happy, Sad, Confused” podcast, hosted by Josh Horowitz, the “Pitch Perfect” star recounted a time when a director attempted to assert dominance in front of a large group of extras.

Kendrick, whose directorial debut, “Woman of the Hour,” is currently available on Netflix, was asked about the worst feedback she had ever received from a director. She recalled a specific incident involving an unnamed director who approached her after a scene. The director instructed her, “Hey, on this next one, just try something—just improvise.” Taking the direction to heart, Kendrick complied, putting her own spin on the moment.

However, the director later returned to the set, publicly chastising her in front of approximately a hundred extras. “He said, ‘Oof, let’s go back to the script,’” Kendrick recounted, highlighting how the comment felt like an intentional power move. “It was very, very icky,” she said, emphasizing the uncomfortable nature of the moment. Despite the negative experience, Kendrick noted that the improvisation she had initially presented ultimately made it into the trailer, earning applause from the podcast audience.

Kendrick’s directorial project, “Woman of the Hour,” tells the gripping true story of an aspiring actress who crosses paths with a serial killer during an episode of “The Dating Game.” The film dives into themes of vulnerability and the unexpected intersections of life, which resonated with Kendrick on a personal level.

When Horowitz probed Kendrick about her motivations for stepping into the director’s role, she revealed that her life experiences significantly influenced her decision. She had been in “a certain situation” when she received the scripts for both “Woman of the Hour” and her 2022 film “Alice, Darling.” The latter film addresses the topic of psychological abuse in relationships, a narrative that mirrored her own struggles at the time.

Kendrick reflected on how “Alice, Darling” explored the dynamics of a woman trapped in a psychologically abusive relationship. “That was a pretty literal reflection of what was happening in my life,” she shared, indicating the strong connection she felt to the story. Although “Woman of the Hour” may not be a direct reflection of her experiences, it nonetheless touched upon familiar themes of personal struggle and resilience.

In a previous interview on the “Armchair Expert” podcast, Kendrick candidly discussed a past relationship that was tumultuous and deeply affecting. She described her then-partner as someone she considered to be “for all intents and purposes my husband,” adding that the relationship involved intense emotional turmoil. “He would scream at me until I was curled in a ball sobbing,” she recounted, shedding light on the impact of psychological abuse on her life.

Through her work in both acting and directing, Kendrick seeks to explore these complex emotional landscapes and share them with her audience. Her experiences have fueled her desire to create narratives that resonate with others who may have faced similar challenges.

As she embarks on this new chapter of her career, Kendrick’s willingness to confront uncomfortable truths and share her vulnerabilities stands as a testament to her growth as an artist. The stories she chooses to tell, both in front of and behind the camera, reflect her journey toward healing and self-discovery.

With “Woman of the Hour” now streaming on Netflix, viewers have the opportunity to see Kendrick’s vision come to life, as well as the nuanced performances that have defined her career. As she continues to navigate her path in Hollywood, Kendrick remains committed to authenticity, using her platform to amplify important conversations around mental health and personal empowerment.

Through sharing her experiences and challenges, Anna Kendrick is not only shaping her own narrative but also providing a voice for others who have endured similar struggles. As she moves forward, her dedication to storytelling and representation continues to inspire audiences, proving that vulnerability can lead to empowerment and connection.