Kathryn Gallagher

a key role in the film, it became clear just how powerful this project truly is. Kathryn’s passion for her character and her dedication to raising awareness about sexual violence shines through, both on and off the screen. Her reflections on the importance of storytelling in creating change gave me chills, and I’m even more excited to see how this project sparks conversation.

If you’re looking for a movie that blends suspense, heart, and a message that lingers long after the credits roll, this one should be at the top of your watchlist. It’s more than just a thriller—it’s a film with a purpose.

What initially drew you to Woman of the Hour, and how did you prep for such an intense project?
Anna Kendrick’s involvement was the first thing that excited me. She’s such a brilliant artist that I knew the project would be worth pursuing. After reading the script, I immediately started working on my audition tape—I wanted the role so badly. My character is a woman at the start of a beautiful life, tragically cut short, so I focused on making her feel full and real. As for the heavy subject matter, I was incredibly fortunate to work with a mindful and caring team. Anna and Daniel were wonderful to work with, making a difficult process so much easier.

What was it like seeing Anna Kendrick as a director vs. actor?
Though I didn’t have scenes with Anna, I’m hoping to act with her someday because she’s a genius. As a director, she’s one of the smartest people I’ve ever met. Her communication, especially in giving notes and discussing scenes, was remarkable. She created such a warm and safe set that I never wanted the day to end. I learned so much from her and can’t wait to see what she directs next—she was born for it.

How did working on a film with darker themes resonate with your advocacy efforts?
In Jagged Little Pill, I played Bella, a 16-year-old sexual assault survivor. After every performance, I’d hear from audience members, many of whom had never shared their stories until then. It showed me how life-saving these conversations can be. During that time, I joined the board of The Joyful Heart Foundation, which fights to end the rape kit backlog, and the work is so aligned with my heart. Woman of the Hour highlights how hard survivors have to fight to be heard, and I’m proud to be part of a project that will spark important conversations, just like Jagged did.

Can you tell us about your latest single featured in the film?
Yes! This started as a simple song for me to sing in the shower, but when Anna asked for 10-15 seconds for the film, I got excited and ended up writing a full song. It wasn’t from my character’s perspective, but I drew inspiration from the moments when women sense danger and talk themselves out of it, which is so common. We’re always on guard for that 1-in-100 situation that could go wrong, even when most don’t. The song reflects that—my intuition was screaming “run,” but I ignored it. Lesson learned.

How do you balance your career between acting, music, and other creative outlets?
I try to keep as many irons in the fire as possible because as an artist, our careers have steep peaks and valleys. During a two-year break from work, I used the time to start writing a musical, produce a play, and write more music. I also traveled, met new communities, and reignited my love for creativity. For me, it’s all about staying excited and curious—if work isn’t flowing, I make sure I’m creating something that inspires me. And I love my hobbies! Show me a craft store and I’m happy [laughing].

What messages do you hope viewers will take away from Woman of the Hour?
Telling stories of sexual violence and IPV is crucial to starting conversations that lead to change. I’ve learned that real change often happens one conversation at a time, and films like this play a key role in initiating those discussions. I hope the film sparks conversations about how our justice system devalues and discredits survivors. We’ve come far, but we still have a long way to go. The film highlights the real-life consequences when survivors aren’t heard or believed.

How do you approach each new role to bring something fresh to your career?
I approach every new character like a new friend and always make a playlist! For Woman of the Hour, I listened to Maggie Rogers and Bleachers. For Gossip Girl, it was Chloe Moriando and Bishop Briggs. You was filmed during Taylor Swift’s reputation era, so I Did Something Bad was on repeat daily.

What are you most excited about for future projects?
I’m excited to make an EP and lean into my love for artists like Bonnie Raitt, Janis Joplin, and Sheryl Crow. I’m also writing a musical with Justin Tranter, Ryland Blackington, and Avigail Tlalim, and I’m producing a play that I’ve had my eye on for years. I can’t wait to share more soon!

Watching and learning,
Andrea Marie, associate lifestyle editor