Story of 'TV dating show killer' depicted in new film

The new Netflix film 'Woman of the Hour' brings to life the chilling true story of Rodney Alcala, a notorious serial killer who infamously appeared on a television dating show while he was committing his heinous crimes. Directed by Anna Kendrick, the film features Tony Hale as the TV host and stars Kendrick herself alongside Daniel Zovatto, who plays the role of Alcala. The narrative unfolds around Alcala's appearance on 'The Dating Game' in 1978, just two years before he was convicted for the murder of a 12-year-old girl. Ultimately, he was found guilty of eight murders, but it is believed that he may have taken the lives of many more women and girls. Alcala passed away in prison in 2021, leaving behind a legacy of terror. Rodney Alcala was a serial killer and sex offender whose crimes spanned across New York, California, and Wyoming from 1971 to 1979. He often posed as a fashion photographer, using his charm to lure women into allowing him to take their pictures. In 1980, he was sentenced to death for the murder of Robin Samsoe, a young girl. However, his death sentence was overturned by the California Supreme Court, leading to a series of retrials. In 2010, he was finally convicted of killing Samsoe and four other women, aged between 18 and 32, during the late 1970s. While in custody, Alcala authored a book titled 'You, the Jury', in which he maintained his innocence. In 2012, he was extradited to New York to face charges for two additional murders from the early 1970s, ultimately pleading guilty and receiving a sentence of 25 years to life. The dating show Alcala appeared on, 'The Dating Game', was a popular program where a single woman would ask questions to three male contestants, who were hidden from her view. At the end of the show, she would choose one contestant for a date based on their responses. Alcala was selected by Cheryl Bradshaw, but she later described him as 'creepy' after a backstage conversation, which led her to decline the date. This decision likely saved her life, as the original episode featuring Alcala is no longer fully available, with only snippets accessible online. The film portrays Alcala as a charming figure, which allowed him to slip through the cracks without a background check. In 'Woman of the Hour', Kendrick not only directs but also plays the role of Cheryl Bradshaw. The film opens in 1977, showcasing Alcala as he photographs a woman named Sarah in a secluded area. The tone quickly shifts as Alcala's demeanor turns violent, establishing the sinister nature of his character. The film weaves together various storylines, focusing on different women and their encounters with Alcala, while deliberately avoiding graphic depictions of the murders themselves. A significant portion of the film revolves around the day 'The Dating Game' episode was filmed, with Kendrick's character taking a more assertive role than what actually occurred in reality. The film imagines a fictional date between Bradshaw and Alcala, which never happened in real life. One of the harrowing stories depicted in the film is that of Monique Hoyt, a young girl who managed to escape from Alcala's grasp. At just 15 years old, Hoyt was attacked while posing for photos in a remote area. After regaining consciousness, she cleverly pretended to be interested in Alcala to gain his trust. When he stopped at a gas station, she seized the opportunity to flee and seek help. The film portrays her escape, highlighting the bravery and quick thinking that saved her life. Despite her escape, Alcala was released shortly after due to his mother's bail. Anna Kendrick, primarily known for her acting roles, took on the challenge of directing 'Woman of the Hour' after initially planning to produce and star in the film. She acknowledged that the film's opening scene, which involves violence, might seem out of character for her, but she felt a personal connection to the story. Kendrick expressed her belief that the narrative is compelling, as it showcases the absurdity of a dangerous man winning a dating show where the goal is to find a good partner. She aimed to depict the violence in a way that is impactful without being overly graphic. The film premiered at the Toronto International Film Festival, but Kendrick and the cast were unable to promote it due to ongoing strikes in Hollywood. Critics have generally responded positively to the film, praising Kendrick's directorial debut and noting her ability to create suspenseful scenes while maintaining her signature wit. Some reviews mentioned that the film's execution had its flaws, but the powerful story resonated with audiences, making 'Woman of the Hour' a significant addition to the genre.