The media has surprisingly not given significant coverage to the shocking true-crime story of the infamous Dating Game Killer, Rodney Alcala. He was a serial killer similar to Ted Bundy, who assaulted and murdered numerous young women in the 1970s. This is about to change with the release of “Woman of the Hour,” a period crime drama film marking the directorial debut of the renowned actress Anna Kendrick. The film debuted at the Toronto International Film Festival last year to rave reviews and recently earned Kendrick the Palm Springs International Film Festival Award for Directors to Watch. Netflix acquired the rights to the film, and it is expected to be available for streaming later this year.
Rodney Alcala, a rapist and serial killer, managed to evade capture for several years. Posing as a photographer searching for models, he manipulated and lured unsuspecting young girls before brutally raping and murdering them. Infamously, midway through his murderous spree, Alcala appeared on the 1970s dating game show, The Dating Game. Despite Cheryl Bradshaw, a contestant on the show, initially agreeing to go on a date with him, she declined after meeting him because she found him to be creepy. Alcala was eventually convicted of his crimes in 1979, a year after his appearance on the show. While initially found guilty of murdering eight women, further investigations suggested that his victims numbered over 130.
“Woman of the Hour” depicts creative liberty in its storytelling, primarily focusing on the period when Alcala was on the show. The movie also encompasses events from years before and after. It portrays Cheryl Bradshaw as an actress, played by Kendrick, who is pressured by her agent to go on the show for visibility. The film doesn’t solely dwell on Alcala’s gruesome crimes but equally delves into the dynamics and challenges women often face when meeting and interacting with men.
Kendrick’s directorial debut, “Woman of the Hour,” has garnered widespread acclaim, earning a 90% rating on Rotten Tomatoes. Ross Bonamine of Colldier praises Kendrick’s strong directorial vision and suggests a promising future behind the camera for her. Describing the film as a tightly-woven, smart thriller, Bonamine acknowledges that it occasionally falters in its thematic exploration but ultimately captivates with its skillful direction. Although the release date for “Woman of the Hour” has not been confirmed, fans can expect updates in the near future.
