Netflix has released the trailer for Woman of the Hour, a chilling true crime film about serial killer Rodney Alcala, who appeared on and won an episode of The Dating Game in 1978. The film marks Anna Kendrick’s directorial debut, and she also stars as Cheryl Bradshaw, the contestant who went on a date with Alcala. The movie showcases the eerie tension of their interactions, with Cheryl quickly realizing something is off during their time together.
At the time of his appearance on the game show, Alcala was in the middle of a violent murder spree. He had already raped and murdered multiple women and had served prison time for child molestation. Despite this, he was introduced on the show as a photographer, winning his episode and supposedly securing a date with Cheryl. However, Cheryl never went on the date after feeling uncomfortable with Alcala.
Woman of the Hour delves into Alcala’s crimes and the lives of his victims, providing a chilling look at how a serial killer could hide in plain sight. Rodney Alcala was eventually arrested in 1979 and was sentenced to death multiple times for his heinous crimes. He remained on death row for decades before dying of natural causes in 2021.
The film, which also stars Daniel Zovatto as Alcala, focuses on the true story behind the infamous game show appearance and Alcala’s brutal history. Woman of the Hour will premiere on Netflix on October 18, 2024.
