Tuesday Motivation

Life's toughest moments often bring the greatest lessons.

Sometimes, the things that challenge us the most are the ones that help us grow the strongest.

Trust the journey, and embrace the blessings hidden in every test.

Woman of the Hour review – Anna Kendrick’s 70s-set true crime thriller is a winner

A serial killer tale unfolds in California’s TV land in the US actor’s fine directorial debut, in which she also stars

Anna Kendrick as Sheryl, in her ‘deft’ Woman of the Hour. Photograph: Leah Gallo/Netflix

Last year’s Toronto film festival was notable for several factors: a red carpet stripped bare of glitz by the US actors’ strike was one; another was a crop of feature film-making debuts from well-known actors turned directors. The quality was wildly variable – don’t expect to see Chris Pine’s first feature, Poolman, released anytime soon – but Anna Kendrick’s 70s California-set true crime thriller, Woman of the Hour, was a standout.

Kendrick also stars in the film, as Sheryl, an out-of-work actor persuaded by her agent to appear on a popular TV show, The Dating Game. A fellow contestant on the show – the one she picks as her date – is Rodney Alcala (Daniel Zovatto), a quick-witted charmer who, the film’s deft nonlinear structure reveals, also happens to be a serial rapist and murderer.

Kendrick’s knack for capturing period detail goes beyond the psychedelic synthetics and kipper ties. She taps into the treacherous sexism that was hardwired into the entertainment industry and wider culture of the time, both of which are shown to be minefields of fragile male egos and potential violence.

• On Netflix

Tina Brown Critiques Meghan Markle’s Influence on Prince Harry and Their Media Strategy

RENOWNED EDITOR TINA BROWN (RIGHT) HAS CRITICISED MEGHAN MARKLE FOR HER INFLUENCE ON PRINCE HARRY

The polarizing media presence of Meghan Markle, Duchess of Sussex, has now drawn sharp criticism from Tina Brown, the well-known editor and royal commentator. During a recent appearance on The Ankler podcast, Brown shared her views on the complex dynamics of Prince Harry and Meghan’s relationship, particularly focusing on Markle’s influence on Harry and her public approach.

Queen Elizabeth II and Markle on her wedding day - would love to know what the late Queen is thinking.

Brown, a prominent figure in media circles who previously edited Tatler and Vanity Fair, voiced her concern over Prince Harry’s current trajectory, remarking that his skills as a prince — his talent for engaging with people, his public presence, and his charisma — are unparalleled within the royal family. “The thing about Harry is he’s very good at being Prince Harry,” Brown said. “And that’s the tragedy of all of this. He is the most talented member of the royal family, without doubt, in terms of being a prince.” Brown’s view implies that Harry’s departure from royal duties may be at odds with his strengths.

When it came to Meghan Markle, however, Brown’s critique was notably sharper. She expressed concern about what she perceives as Markle’s “poor judgment,” asserting that her strategies and decisions consistently miss the mark. Brown elaborated, “The trouble with Meghan is that she has the worst judgment of anyone in the entire world. She’s flawless about getting it all wrong.” According to Brown, Markle’s habit of seeking advice but ultimately following her own path — regardless of others’ input — has led to a string of perceived missteps.

Discussing Prince Harry’s relationship with Markle, Brown described Harry as “naive” in matters outside royal life, highlighting his previous military experience as formative. “The army was great for him,” she said, “and he was extremely good and competent in there. That helped turn him into a real person.” However, since meeting Markle in 2016, Brown argues that Harry has been “a lamb to the slaughter,” captivated by her Hollywood connections and promises of stardom.

This latest critique comes as Prince Harry and Meghan are reportedly exploring a new property in Portugal, near Harry’s cousin, Princess Eugenie, and her husband, Jack Brooksbank. Known for maintaining close ties with Harry and Meghan even after their move to California, Eugenie is one of the few royals who continues to connect with the Sussexes. Their Portugal move, some royal observers speculate, could facilitate a European base for the couple, enabling them to engage in more global charity initiatives and diplomatic outreach, such as their recent successful visits to Nigeria and Colombia.

Royal commentator Richard Fitzwilliams added that the possible Portugal residence would underscore their bond with select members of the royal family, even as they continue to face criticism. According to Fitzwilliams, the decision “emphasises that they still have goodwill” with family members like Eugenie and Brooksbank, and signals a continued relationship with “part of the royal family.”

Brown’s comments highlight the ongoing divisions surrounding Prince Harry and Meghan Markle, a couple whose popularity and criticism seem to grow in equal measure. While the Sussexes remain committed to carving their own path, the opinions of royal insiders like Brown add to the complex narrative of their post-royal life.