Woman of the Hour

The 2023 American crime thriller "Woman of the Hour" marks Anna Kendrick's directorial debut and is based on the true story of serial killer Rodney Alcala, known as "The Dating Game Killer." In 1978, Alcala (Daniel Zovatto) appeared on the popular television show "The Dating Game," where he won a date with contestant Cheryl Bradshaw (Anna Kendrick). At that time, Alcala had already committed at least five murders, remaining elusive to law enforcement. The film alternates between scenes of Alcala's crimes and Cheryl's story, a young actress from Pennsylvania striving to build her career in Los Angeles. Her agent persuades her to participate in "The Dating Game" in hopes of boosting her visibility. Despite her skepticism, Cheryl agrees and finds herself on the show, where she chooses the charming yet dangerous Rodney. The film explores the intersection of their fates, highlighting how charm and charisma can mask dark intentions, and raises questions about safety and trust in the entertainment world.