Anna Kendrick’s directorial debut, “Woman of the Hour”, has arrived on Netflix, shedding light on the shocking true story of how a serial killer made his way onto a 1970s dating show, sparking the interest of true crime enthusiasts. The film delves into the case of Rodney Alcala, who appeared on “The Dating Game” in 1978 at the age of 35, with a known history of at least five murders, including those of a pregnant woman and a child. Though his exact body count remains uncertain, investigators suspect that the man known as “The Dating Game Killer” could have been responsible for up to 100 deaths. Alcala was eventually convicted in 1980 and passed away in prison in 2021.
In the movie, Kendrick plays the role of contestant Cheryl Bradshaw, who chose Alcala for a date on the show but later backed out, finding him “creepy.” The character of Alcala is portrayed by Daniel Zovatto, known for his roles in “It Follows” and “Don’t Breathe”. While snippets of the original episode featuring Alcala are available online, Kendrick shared with the YouTube channel Jake’s Takes that certain parts of the film had to be improvised due to the complete episode being lost to time.
Reflecting on her involvement in the Twilight saga, based on Stephenie Meyer’s fantasy novels, Kendrick discussed her unique experience compared to her castmates. She recalled her role as one where she could make cheeky remarks while passing through scenes, contrasting with others who had to embody intense life-and-death scenarios. Kendrick expressed gratitude for her peripheral role in the cultural phenomenon that was Twilight, offering her a different perspective on the franchise.
As Kendrick’s film sheds light on a disturbing chapter in television history, viewers are given a glimpse into the unsettling intersection of entertainment and real-life horror. With meticulous attention to detail and a gripping narrative, “Woman of the Hour” promises to captivate audiences with its chilling portrayal of a killer’s brief moment in the spotlight.