In October 2024, Netflix unveiled Woman of the Hour, a gripping film that delves into one of the most bizarre and chilling chapters in true crime history. Directed by Anna Kendrick, who also stars in the film, the story revolves around Rodney Alcala, a notorious serial killer who earned the unsettling nickname, "The Dating Game Killer."
The movie retraces the shocking events of 1978, when Alcala, an already prolific murderer, appeared as a contestant on The Dating Game. In this popular TV show, a bachelor would try to win a date with a bachelorette by answering her questions. Despite his sinister double life, Alcala came across as charming and witty, winning the hearts of the audience and the bachelorette, Cheryl Bradshaw. What Bradshaw—and the world—didn’t know was that Alcala was already a convicted rapist and on a deadly spree that would eventually claim the lives of at least seven women.
In Woman of the Hour, Kendrick portrays Cheryl Bradshaw, taking the audience through her harrowing experience as she narrowly escapes becoming one of Alcala’s victims. Through Kendrick’s deft direction and performance, the film explores how Alcala's calm demeanor and charm masked the dark, predatory nature within.
The film doesn’t just recount Alcala’s appearance on The Dating Game and shines a light on his life leading up to that point and the horrific aftermath. The story peels back the layers of Alcala’s manipulation and deceit, focusing on the terror he inflicted on his victims and how he managed to evade justice for years. The contrast between the innocent, playful atmosphere of a TV dating show and the looming threat of a serial killer creates a unique tension that reverberates throughout the film.
One of the standout elements of Woman of the Hour is its portrayal of the broader cultural context of the 1970s, highlighting how Alcala's crimes were enabled by an era that often turned a blind eye to red flags. His participation in the dating show, undetected for who he truly was, serves as a stark reminder of the dangers lurking behind even the most charismatic exteriors.
The release of Woman of the Hour has sparked renewed interest in Alcala’s case, raising questions about the psychology of serial killers and how someone like him could infiltrate mainstream media. It serves as a cautionary tale about the perils of superficial charm and the way society often overlooks the signs of true danger.
Rodney Alcala died in 2021, leaving behind a legacy of horror, but his story, as retold through Woman of the Hour, continues to fascinate and terrify.
