Originally published in 2023 to coincide with Woman of the Hour's premiere at the Toronto International Film Festival, this story is being revisited as the movie lands on Netflix on October 18, 2024.
Woman of the Hour, Anna Kendrick's directorial debut, intertwines two unsettling narratives. One follows a serial killer who terrorized the nation, raping and murdering young women while posing as a photographer.
The other tracks an ambitious actress seeking visibility, who finds herself on The Dating Game killer as one of three contestants vying for the attention of a bachelor—unaware that he is the very same predator.
The most horrifying part? This isn’t just fiction.
In 1978, Rodney Alcala—who was later convicted for seven murders but is suspected of killing over 100—appeared on the popular dating show alongside Cheryl Bradshaw.
Portrayed by Kendrick in the film, Cheryl was a young aspiring actress who unknowingly came face-to-face with a serial killer on national television.
The film dramatizes this bizarre and frightening episode in true crime history while also examining the societal norms and gender dynamics that allowed Alcala to continue his crimes unchecked for so long.
Kendrick’s movie goes beyond the typical true crime fare by providing a darkly comedic critique of Hollywood's pervasive sexism at the time, merging horror with social commentary.
This project marks some of Kendrick’s most impactful work, with her intentionally focusing on the stories of Alcala's victims rather than glorifying the killer.
In an interview with Netflix's Tudum, Kendrick explained, “I was drawn to the journey of a woman who is trying to fit in and please others, then reaches a point where she reclaims her power.
It's not a straightforward victory; it's about navigating the risks and compromises women face daily when trying to live authentically."
The film centers on the fateful encounter between Cheryl and Rodney, exploring not just a true crime story, but also the larger issues of vulnerability, power, and the dangers women face even in seemingly safe environments.