Woman of the Hour: The Chilling True Story Behind Rodney Alcala and Netflix’s Latest Thriller
Netflix’s Woman of the Hour, directed by Anna Kendrick in her directorial debut, has captivated audiences with its chilling portrayal of Rodney Alcala, the infamous “Dating Game Killer.” As the movie delves into one of the most harrowing murder sprees in American history, it brings to light not only Alcala’s crimes but also the pervasive societal issues surrounding misogyny and violence against women. With Woman of the Hour hitting Netflix on October 18, this exploration of Alcala’s life and the chilling true events behind the movie is sure to leave audiences haunted.
The True Story Behind Woman of the Hour
Woman of the Hour is based on the true story of Rodney Alcala, a serial killer and sex offender who became known as the “Dating Game Killer” after his appearance on the popular 1970s television show, The Dating Game. Alcala was a charming and handsome bachelor on the surface, but beneath his veneer was a man responsible for the brutal murders of at least eight women. Some estimates suggest he may have killed over 100 women and girls across several states.
In 1978, Alcala appeared as a contestant on The Dating Game, a TV show where a bachelorette asks questions of three unseen bachelors and picks one for a date based on their answers. Alcala was charming enough to win the affection of bachelorette Cheryl Bradshaw. Fortunately, Bradshaw’s gut instinct kicked in after meeting him in person, and she decided not to go on the date. This decision likely saved her life.
Woman of the Hour retells this dark story, focusing on Alcala’s crimes and the moments that led to his capture. However, the film also shifts its lens to Cheryl Bradshaw, played by Anna Kendrick, offering a broader commentary on the dangers women face in a patriarchal society. The movie not only dramatizes Alcala’s killings but also explores how misogyny fuels violence against women.
Who Was Rodney Alcala?
Rodney Alcala, born in 1943, was a prolific serial killer whose crimes spanned nearly a decade. In the early 1970s, he posed as a photographer, luring young women and girls by complimenting their looks and offering to take professional pictures of them. His charm and persona helped him evade suspicion while he committed a series of gruesome murders.
Alcala’s modus operandi often involved sexually assaulting and strangling his victims. His first known murder was in 1971, when he killed Cornelia Crilley, a 23-year-old flight attendant in New York. Over the next several years, Alcala left a trail of victims across multiple states, including California and Wyoming. By the time of his 1978 appearance on The Dating Game, Alcala had already murdered five women and girls.
The film Woman of the Hour shines a light on these disturbing details, carefully balancing between storytelling and restraint. Although the film does not graphically depict the murders, it does not shy away from portraying Alcala’s sinister behavior and the devastating impact on his victims.
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Cheryl Bradshaw and Her Brush with Death
Cheryl Bradshaw, the bachelorette from The Dating Game, played a pivotal role in the infamous story that forms the backbone of Woman of the Hour. On the surface, the show seemed like harmless entertainment. However, behind the scenes, Alcala’s disturbing nature surfaced, prompting Bradshaw to back out of the date despite having selected him.
After the show’s taping, Bradshaw met Alcala face-to-face and immediately felt uneasy. In interviews, she later revealed that she got “creepy vibes” from him and refused to go out with him. Her instincts proved lifesaving, as Alcala was already deep into his killing spree, and her rejection possibly thwarted another murder. The real-life Cheryl Bradshaw has kept a low profile since the incident, but her brief interaction with Alcala remains a haunting footnote in the true crime saga.
Anna Kendrick’s portrayal of Bradshaw in Woman of the Hour adds layers to the character, emphasizing the feminist themes of the movie. Bradshaw isn’t just a victim or a footnote in Alcala’s story—she represents the plight of women navigating a world filled with potential dangers, especially at the hands of manipulative and violent men.
Anna Kendrick’s Woman of the Hour: A Powerful Directorial Debut
Anna Kendrick, best known for her roles in films like Pitch Perfect and Up in the Air, takes on multiple roles in Woman of the Hour—as director, producer, and star. This film marks a significant departure from her previous work, as it tackles dark, unsettling themes about violence, misogyny, and survival. Despite the grim subject matter, Kendrick handles the material with care, focusing on the emotional and psychological depth of the characters involved.
Kendrick has spoken openly about her connection to the project, citing her own experiences of feeling unsafe around others and how this informed her directorial vision. Woman of the Hour meticulously explores the dangers women face and how Alcala’s case reflects broader societal issues, like the objectification of women and the prevalence of male violence.
The feminist undertones of the movie are amplified by Kendrick’s sensitive handling of the story. While the crimes themselves are horrific, the movie does not indulge in unnecessary gore or sensationalism. Instead, it focuses on the moments of vulnerability and fear that women experience, especially when facing predators like Alcala.
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The Social Commentary in Woman of the Hour
At its core, Woman of the Hour is not just about Rodney Alcala’s murders; it’s about how societal structures enable violence against women. Through Cheryl Bradshaw’s character, the film delves into the misogyny prevalent in the entertainment industry, the media, and society as a whole.
The movie presents The Dating Game as a microcosm of the way women are often commodified and objectified for public consumption. Bradshaw’s experience highlights the uncomfortable reality that many women face daily—the constant, underlying fear of being harmed by men who are seen as charming or harmless on the surface. Kendrick’s film raises an important question throughout: “Which of you are going to hurt me?” This question, uttered by one of the makeup artists in the film, resonates deeply, shedding light on the pervasive fear many women carry in their interactions with men.
The film doesn’t sensationalize Alcala’s crimes, but it doesn’t shy away from showing how dangerous he was. His victims, many of whom were young women simply trying to live their lives, were caught in his web of deceit and violence. By weaving their stories throughout the film, Woman of the Hour becomes not just a thriller, but also a poignant exploration of the broader issue of male violence against women.
The Legacy of Woman of the Hour
Woman of the Hour has made a significant impact as both a true crime thriller and a feminist statement. By focusing on Cheryl Bradshaw’s narrow escape and the many victims of Rodney Alcala, the film asks viewers to reflect on the dangers women face in everyday life. Kendrick’s skillful direction and nuanced performance make Woman of the Hour more than just a retelling of a true crime story—it’s a powerful critique of a society that often overlooks the warning signs of male violence.
As more viewers discover the chilling true story of Woman of the Hour, it’s clear that the film’s message will resonate far beyond the screen. By shedding light on the horrors of Alcala’s crimes and the societal issues that allowed him to thrive for so long, Kendrick’s film offers a sobering reminder of the importance of vigilance, intuition, and the fight against misogyny.
In conclusion, Woman of the Hour is a must-watch for anyone interested in true crime, feminist commentary, or simply gripping storytelling. With stellar performances, a haunting real-life narrative, and Anna Kendrick’s sharp directorial vision, the film leaves a lasting impact. The tale of Rodney Alcala, Cheryl Bradshaw, and the women who crossed paths with the “Dating Game Killer” will linger in the minds of audiences long after the credits roll.
