Anna Kendrick's Gripping Directorial Debut: The Terrifying True Story Behind "Woman of the Hour"
Anna Kendrick's directorial debut, Woman of the Hour , takes viewers on a chilling journey into the disturbing true story of Rodney Alcala, a notorious serial killer. Alcala, a charming yet dangerous predator, appeared as a contestant on the 1970s TV show The Dating Game , where, unbeknownst to the audience, he was in the middle of a murder spree. The film, now streaming on Netflix, not only tells the story of Alcala’s gruesome crimes but also highlights Cheryl Bradshaw, the woman whose instincts saved her life after she chose Alcala on the show.
The film masterfully retells how Alcala, disguised as a carefree photographer and adventurer, manipulated women into trusting him, only to later reveal his monstrous nature. Anna Kendrick plays Bradshaw, an aspiring actress hoping to break into the industry, who, by chance, ended up picking Alcala on the show. Unbeknownst to her or the producers, Alcala was already a convicted sex offender and would go on to be one of the most prolific serial killers in U.S. history, with estimates suggesting he may have murdered as many as 130 people.
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In Woman of the Hour , Daniel Zovatto brings Alcala’s duality to life, portraying both his seemingly charming side and the chilling darkness that lurked beneath. Kendrick expertly captures the tension of Bradshaw’s realization that something was terribly wrong. Bradshaw's decision to follow her gut and cancel the date probably saved her life, as she later recalled feeling unnerved by Alcala’s presence the moment they met in person. This subtle, unsettling exchange on The Dating Game remains one of the most bizarre moments in television history, and Kendrick’s film brings it to light with careful nuance.
The film also sheds light on how Alcala managed to evade capture for so long, despite having been previously convicted. The producers of The Dating Game were oblivious to his criminal history, and the show’s superficial vetting process allowed a dangerous predator to stand on stage, a fact that highlights a disturbing lack of awareness about sexual predators at the time.
Kendrick’s directorial effort is a powerful reflection on the darker side of reality television and the horrifying reality behind Alcala's charm. The film balances the tension between Bradshaw’s personal ambitions and her near-fatal encounter with one of America’s most sadistic killers.
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