Exploring the True Story Behind Anna Kendrick’s “Woman of the Hour”: What is the Movie Based On?

Anna Kendrick’s directorial debut, Woman of the Hour, is a gripping crime thriller inspired by the chilling true story of Rodney Alcala, known as the “Dating Game Killer.”The film showcases Anna Kendrick in the role of Cheryl Bradshaw, with Daniel Zovatto portraying the notorious Alcala.

Additional cast members include Tony Hale as Ed, Nicolette Robinson as Laura, and Pete Holmes as Terry, among others. Notable actors rounding out the ensemble include Autumn Best, Kathryn Gallagher, Kelley Jakle, Matt Visser, Jedidiah Goodacre, Rob Morton, Dylan Schmid, Karen Holness, Denalda Williams, Jessie Fraser, Matty Finochio, Geoff Gustafson, and Max Lloyd-Jones.

Woman of the Hour had its premier at the Toronto International Film Festival on September 8, 2023, and will be available for streaming on Netflix starting October 18, 2024. The narrative is set in the late 1970s, weaving a chilling tale of crime during Alcala’s appearance on the game show The Dating Game while he was committing his horrific acts.

Rodney Alcala was eventually convicted of seven murders but managed to charm contestants like Cheryl Bradshaw, securing a date despite his criminal activities. This juxtaposition of entertainment and real-life horror forms the basis of Kendrick’s film, highlighting the unsettling dynamics of gender and the darker aspects of celebrity culture during that period.

The True Story of Rodney Alcala

Rodney Alcala, infamously dubbed the “Dating Game Killer,”was a serial killer who terrorized the nation in the late 1970s and early 1980s. His appearance on The Dating Game in 1978, where he won a date with Cheryl Bradshaw, occurred while he was in the midst of committing his crimes.

Known for his good looks and high intelligence, Alcala was able to avoid detection for years. While he was convicted of seven murders, some experts believe that the actual number of his victims could be much higher.

His participation in The Dating Game serves as a haunting reminder of how predators can camouflage themselves within society, exposing flaws within the criminal justice system and the necessity for awareness and vigilance.

This harrowing narrative is now brought to life in Anna Kendrick’s Woman of the Hour, which navigates the dark realities behind Alcala’s charming facade and the societal issues that allowed him to evade justice for so long.

Development of Woman of the Hour

The process of developing Woman of the Hour was as intricate as the film itself. Initially invited to star in the project, Kendrick stepped into the director’s role after the original director withdrew.

Her dedication to the film is evident in the careful nuances she embeds into scenes that might easily go unnoticed. The movie not only highlights Alcala’s gruesome crimes but also delves into the more profound societal issues that allowed him to continue his spree undetected for years.

The Impact of The Dating Game Episode

The episode of The Dating Game featuring Alcala starkly illustrates how easily a predator can blend into daily life. Cheryl Bradshaw, the contestant who chose Alcala, later declined to go on a date with him, describing his demeanor as “creepy.”

This decision may very well have saved her life. What was intended as light-hearted entertainment unwittingly became a setting for a serial killer, underscoring the dangers of superficial charm and the critical need for caution.

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