You've likely heard of Ted Bundy, the notorious serial killer who weaponized charm and intelligence to lure young women to their deaths. While Bundy's case has captivated the public for decades, Netflix's Woman of the Hour shines a light on another equally disturbing figure: Rodney Alcala.
Directed by and starring Anna Kendrick in her directorial debut, the film revisits the chilling true story of Cheryl Bradshaw, a contestant on the 1970s TV show The Dating Game. Cheryl unknowingly picks Rodney Alcala, a seemingly charming bachelor who is, in reality, a psychopathic serial killer on a deadly spree. Like Bundy, Alcala's charisma hid his horrific nature, but his audacity in appearing on national television adds an eerie twist to his story.
 Rodney Alcala/ Foto: Istimewa |
Rodney Alcala was a photographer and serial killer officially linked to eight murders, though estimates suggest he may have killed as many as 130 people. He often lured victims with promises of photography sessions, and police later discovered hundreds of photographs in his possession, some linked to cases that remain unsolved up to this day.
In 1978, while actively committing murders, Alcala appeared on The Dating Game and won a date with Cheryl Bradshaw. Fortunately, Cheryl declined to meet him after finding him weird and creepy-a decision that may have saved her life.
Though Alcala's case isn't as widely recognized as Bundy's, his ability to hide his evil behind charm and normalcy makes him just as terrifying. Kendrick's Woman of the Hour brings this unsettling story to life, exposing how trust, charm, and societal expectations can be manipulated with deadly consequences.
Woman of The Hour Review
While Woman of the Hour avoids gore and typical bloodshed of thriller slasher films, its tension-filled atmosphere grips viewers and leaves them uneasy. The unnerving experience is kudos to Daniel Zovatto, who plays the role of Rodney Alcala. Zovatto's portrayal of the enigmatic yet sinister serial killer is nothing short of masterful. His performance radiated an disturbing demeanor that had me squirming in my seats, even holding my breath without realizing it. There's little blood throughout the scenes, but the relentless male gaze makes this movie hauntingly creepy and unbearably stressful.
Zovatto's ability to embody Alcala's predatory manner sparks an instinctive dislike for the character, a testament to how convincingly he brought the role to life. By tapping into the audience's discomfort, Zovatto ensures that Alcala's chilling nature lingers long after the credits roll-even got me searching for the real footage of The Dating Game.
Anna Kendrick's performance in Woman of the Hour is equally compelling, especially speaking from a woman's perspective. She conveys Cheryl Bradshaw's unease and vulnerability in a natural and believable way. Through her expressions and body language, Kendrick effectively conveys the suffocating tension of being in Rodney Alcala's presence.
 Woman of the Hour/ Foto: Istimewa |
Her portrayal of Cheryl allows viewers to feel the discomfort and instinctive wariness Bradshaw must have felt-a testament to Kendrick's depth as both an actor and director. This layered performance goes beyond words; it's in the darting glances, hesitant movements, and the way she seems perpetually on edge around Alcala. These details make the psychological aspect of the film hit even harder, resonating particularly with women who might relate to the overwhelming discomfort of navigating threatening situations-scenarios many women had to think about because they could happen even when we take every precaution to avoid them.
Premiering at the Toronto International Film Festival in 2023, Woman of the Hour earned critical acclaim for its sharp storytelling and layered exploration of true crime. Anna Kendrick's dual role as director and star shines, delivering a film that's equal parts gripping thriller and thought-provoking commentary on systemic failures and human behavior.
The case of Rodney Alcala remains one of the most chilling in true crime history. While dramatized, Woman of the Hour promises an unforgettable viewing experience that combines true crime with sharp cinematic insight.
Note to Kendrick: less Trolls, more thrillers.
Woman of the Hour is available to watch on Netflix.
(HAI/tim)