New Film Explores Notorious “Dating Game Killer” Case

A new Netflix film titled “Woman of the Hour,” directed by Anna Kendrick, dramatizes the true story of Rodney Alcala, a serial killer who managed to appear on a television dating show during a period of intense criminal activity. Alcala, known as the “Dating Game Killer,” participated in the show in 1978, shortly before being convicted of multiple murders. It is believed that he was responsible for many more deaths than the eight for which he was convicted.

Rodney Alcala, who died in prison in 2021, was a notorious serial killer and sex offender. He was convicted of eight murders across various states, including New York, California, and Wyoming, spanning from 1971 to 1979. Alcala’s crimes often involved him posing as a fashion photographer to lure women into dangerous situations under the guise of taking portraits.

In 1980, Alcala was sentenced to death in California for the murder of 12-year-old Robin Samsoe. His sentence was overturned twice by the California Supreme Court but reinstated in a 2010 trial that linked forensic evidence to further murders. While serving his sentence, Alcala authored a book titled “You, the Jury,” in a bid to proclaim his innocence.

Alcala gained infamy as the “Dating Game Killer” after appearing on “The Dating Game,” a U.S. TV show that matched bachelors with a single woman asking questions. He was chosen by contestant Cheryl Bradshaw, who later canceled the date after finding Alcala unsettling. The footage of this episode no longer exists, with only snippets available online.

Kendrick’s “Woman of the Hour” opens in 1977 and features an amalgamation of events surrounding Alcala’s vicious history. It follows several women he encountered, focusing on his initial interactions without portraying the actual killings. The film devotes significant attention to Alcala’s time on “The Dating Game,” casting Kendrick herself as Cheryl Bradshaw. Artistic liberties are taken, including a fictionalized date between Bradshaw and Alcala, which never transpired in real life.

One poignant story depicted in the film is that of Monique Hoyt, who survived an attack by Alcala in 1979. Hoyt managed to escape, alerting the authorities, although Alcala was released shortly after when his mother posted bail.

Kendrick, initially slated only to produce and star, also directed the film. She acknowledges that her involvement in a film involving such grim subject matter might seem surprising but conveys her ability to relate to unsafe situations. She emphasizes an approach to violence that avoids explicitness yet retains its unsettling impact.

“Woman of the Hour” premiered at the previous year’s Toronto International Film Festival. Despite Hollywood strikes impacting promotional activities, the film has received mostly positive reviews, highlighting Kendrick’s effective blend of suspense with her signature wit. However, some critics noted the film’s tonal imbalances and editing issues.