Woman of the Hour: The Shocking True Story of Serial Killer Rodney Alcala

Netflix’s latest film, Woman of the Hour, directed by Anna Kendrick, dramatizes one of the most chilling real-life stories in modern history: the tale of Rodney Alcala, a serial killer who, astonishingly, appeared on a TV dating show right in the middle of his gruesome crime spree. The movie has brought widespread attention to a case that continues to shock the world. This article delves deep into Alcala’s crimes, his infamous appearance on The Dating Game, and how the film portrays these events.

Rodney Alcala: The Dating Game Killer

Rodney Alcala’s life is shrouded in horror and darkness. Between 1971 and 1979, he was convicted of murdering eight women across different states, though many believe his victim count could be much higher, possibly over 100. What sets Alcala apart from other notorious serial killers is his audacious appearance on The Dating Game in 1978, during which he was actively committing these crimes.

Born in 1943, Alcala led a double life. On the surface, he seemed like a charming, good-looking man, but beneath that facade lay a predator who targeted young women, often luring them in with compliments and pretending to be a professional photographer. His method was simple yet terrifying: he would convince his victims to let him photograph them, gaining their trust before brutally attacking and killing them.

His heinous crimes eventually came to light in 1980 when he was convicted of murdering 12-year-old Robin Samsoe. Though this conviction would later be overturned and retried multiple times, he was sentenced to death and spent decades behind bars. In 2021, Alcala died in prison at the age of 77, but his story remains a grim reminder of how someone can hide their true nature behind a mask of normalcy.

Alcala’s Shocking TV Appearance

In September 1978, Rodney Alcala appeared as a contestant on The Dating Game. In this popular American TV show, a woman would ask three hidden bachelors questions before choosing one to go on a date with. What’s particularly disturbing about this is that Alcala was in the midst of his murder spree when he was choose as one of the contestants. He was introduce as a “successful photographer,” and his charm and looks landed him a spot on the show.

The Woman who chose him, Cheryl Bradshaw, had no idea that Alcala was a serial killer. However, after meeting him backstage, she found him “creepy” and decided not to go on the date. This decision may have saved her life.

The episode has become infamous, earning Alcala the nickname “The Dating Game Killer.” In Woman of the Hour, Kendrick plays Bradshaw, and a significant portion of the movie is dedicate to this surreal episode. The film takes some artistic liberties with the actual events, but it captures the disturbing reality of a killer who managed to evade detection for so long.

How the Film Depicts Alcala’s Crimes

Woman of the Hour does not show the violent murders on-screen, but it builds tension by focusing on the moments leading up to the killings. Alcala, played by Daniel Zovatto, uses his charm to lure his victims, asking them to take their photographs. The film depicts these encounters in a way that highlights the power dynamics between Alcala and his victims. The viewers are force to confront the vulnerability of the women he targeted, many of whom were young, isolated, or trying to navigate difficult circumstances in their lives.

Kendrick’s film also emphasizes how society allowed Alcala to slip through the cracks. He was arrest multiple times before finally being convict of murder, but each time, he was release or avoided harsher sentences. This failure of the justice system is a central theme in Woman of the Hour, illustrating how Alcala’s charm and ability to manipulate those around him allowed him to continue his crimes for so long.

The Role of Women in the Film

The movie shines a spotlight not only on Alcala’s crimes but also on the women who were affect by his actions. One of the standout moments in the film is the depiction of Monique Hoyt, a 15-year-old girl who managed to escape Alcala’s clutches in 1979. In real life, Hoyt convinced Alcala that she wasn’t angry after he attacked her, and when he stopped at a gas station, she made her escape. The film portrays this as a moment of empowerment, showing how Hoyt’s quick thinking saved her life.

Kendrick’s portrayal of Cheryl Bradshaw also gives the film a feminist angle. In one scene, Bradshaw goes off-script during The Dating Game and asks the bachelors her questions. This moment highlights the power dynamics in a society that often places women in vulnerable situations, and it shows Bradshaw’s attempt to take control of her fate.

Critical Reception of Woman of the Hour

Since its premiere at the Toronto International Film Festival, Woman of the Hour has received generally positive reviews from critics. Anna Kendrick, known for her roles in lighter comedies like Pitch Perfect, surprised many with her dark, suspenseful directorial debut. The film’s balance of tense, psychological drama with moments of sharp social commentary has been praise by several critics.

According to IndieWire, Kendrick’s talent for building Hitchcockian suspense is a highlight of the movie, while Screen Rant pointed out some flaws, including tonal imbalances and editing issues. However, the consensus is that Kendrick has a promising future as a director. Her ability to maintain the tension without resorting to graphic violence is see as a strength. And many praise her portrayal of the vulnerability and strength of the women in the story.

The Message of the Film

At its core, Woman of the Hour is not just about Rodney Alcala or his horrifying crimes. It’s about how society often fails to protect women from predators like him. In the movie, there’s a scene where one of the victims’ friends believes she recognizes Alcala from an earlier attack. When she tries to raise the alarm. She is dismiss and not take seriously. A moment that mirrors the experiences of many women who have try to speak up but were ignore.

This idea of being seen. But not truly understood—is one of the film’s key themes. Kendrick uses the camera metaphor to explore how women are often objectified or reduced to mere images, but their real thoughts, feelings, and fears go unnoticed. This theme is particularly poignant in a world where women are still fighting for the right to be hear and believe when they share their experiences of violence or harassment.

Conclusion

Woman of the Hour is a haunting reminder of how appearances can be deceiving. Rodney Alcala was able to hide his true nature for years, committing unspeakable crimes while appearing to be a charming, handsome man. His appearance on The Dating Game remains one of the most shocking moments in TV history, a dark twist that shows how even the most harmless-looking situations can conceal a hidden danger.

Anna Kendrick’s film masterfully explores these themes, making Woman of the Hour more than a true crime story. It’s a reflection on society, on the ways we fail to protect vulnerable people, and on how women often find themselves navigating a world where the threat of violence is ever-present.