The new Netflix film “Woman of the Hour,” directed by Anna Kendrick, delves into a chilling true crime story, raising unsettling questions about its real-life origins. The narrative centers on Sheryl, a character closely modeled after Cheryl Bradshaw, who famously appeared on the 1978 dating show “The Dating Game.”
In a twist that would later reveal devastating consequences, Bradshaw selected Rodney Alcala as her date, unaware that he was a convicted sex offender and later identified as a serial killer. Kendrick, in her directorial debut, sought to create a film that shifts focus from the typical male-driven narratives in crime dramas to the countless women who fell victim to Alcala’s crimes.
Kendrick noted that while the story could have taken a traditional route—featuring a heroic detective and a relentless prosecutor—she felt it would be disingenuous to portray those elements. Instead, she preferred to illuminate the emotional impacts of Alcala’s actions on the women affected.
Alcala, who was apprehended in 1979, was eventually convicted of multiple murders and is suspected of committing over 100 crimes during a decade-long spree. His criminal activity came to light when police discovered incriminating evidence in a storage locker. Although he was sentenced to death, Alcala passed away from natural causes in 2021 at the age of 77.
In the film, Alcala claims to have studied photography at New York University, suggesting he was schooled by the famous director Roman Polanski. However, while Alcala did enroll at NYU, records do not confirm any interaction with Polanski. This period, portrayed in “Woman of the Hour,” takes place during Alcala’s escape from justice in California as he lived under an alias in New York City.
Alcala’s appearance on “The Dating Game” stemmed from his straightforward application process, lacking rigorous background checks that could have unveiled his criminal history. On the show, he presented himself as an adventurous photographer, but his unsettling demeanor made Bradshaw hesitate, leading her to ultimately decline a date with him—an instinct that likely saved her life.
Furthermore, Kendrick’s portrayal of Sheryl diverges from the original show’s format by allowing her character to ask more profound questions rather than adhering to the often trivial and sexist prompts provided to contestants. This creative choice serves to critique and challenge the gender dynamics of the time, even as it inadvertently draws her closer to danger through her selection of Alcala.