NETFLIX’s Woman of the Hour dramatizes the disturbing tale of ‘Dating Game Killer’ Rodney Alcala.
The serial killer appeared on a popular TV dating show during his murderous spree — here’s everything you need to know about the opening scene of the movie.
Daniel Zovatto plays Rodney Alcala in Woman of the Hour[/caption]
Who was The Dating Game Killer?
Rodney Alcala murdered at least eight women and girls across New York, California and Wyoming between 1971 and 1979.
His true body count may be much higher — he is suspected of killing over 100 female victims.
Alcala often lured victims by posing as a fashion photographer.
In 1980, Alcala received a death sentence for murdering 12-year-old Robin Samsoe.
Though this verdict was overturned twice, he was ultimately convicted in 2010 for Samsoe’s murder and those of four other women.
The Dating Game
In September 1978, Alcala appeared as a bachelor on The Dating Game.
He charmed contestant Cheryl Bradshaw, who chose him as her date.
However, Cheryl chose not to go out with Alcala after finding his behavoir “creepy” backstage.
Ongoing investigations
Alcala died of natural causes in 2021 aged 77 at a hospital near the Corcoran state prison in California.
However, investigators have continued their efforts to identify victims following the monster’s death.
Authorities have been painstakingly reviewing the thousands of photographs found in Alcala’s possession in the hope of bringing closure to more victims’ families.
Opening scene of Netflix’s Woman of the Hour
Netflix’s Woman of the Hour opens with a chilling scene based on Alcala’s 1977 murder of Christine Thornton in Wyoming.
It shows The Dating Game Killer in a secluded mountainous area of Wyoming convincing a woman named Sarah to share personal details about her life while he photographs her.
The serene environment quickly turns ominous, establishing a sense of dread that permeates the narrative.
I think I said something along the lines of, ‘If it’s really important to you guys that the movie open in a nightclub and have a certain feeling, that’s fine, but I don’t know how to make that movie’
Anna Kendrick
Assault
As Sarah recounts her story, the atmosphere shifts dramatically.
Alcala’s demeanor becomes aggressive and he suddenly assaults her.
Much of what’s shown was put together from police evidence and his known methods of torture — such as reviving his victims with mouth-to-mouth resuscitation so he can then assault them gain.
As the character says in the film, Christine was with child when she was murdered.
The scene serves as a grim foreshadowing of the violence that will follow throughout the movie.
Anna Kendrick and Daniel Zovatto in a scene from Woman of the Hour[/caption]
It also illustrates how he lured victims under the guise of innocence before revealing his true intentions.
Alcala admitted taking photographs of Christine, but denied murdering her.
Christine’s body wasn’t discovered until 1982, and Alcala wasn’t charged with the crime until 2016.
She was identified by her relatives in 2015 after police released Alcala’s photographs.
Family members then provided DNA samples for formal identification.
The real Cheryl Bradshaw, who is portrayed by Anna Kendrick in the film[/caption]
In the movie, the scene then cuts to black and we can hear casting directors discussing actresses auditioning for a part, which is also analogy for what the audience has just witnessed.
The misogynistic and judgemental comments seem to reflect the way The Dating Game Killer saw his victims — as pieces of meat.
Structure
The film employs a non-linear narrative, shifting back and forth between various timelines and characters.
While it focuses on Alcala’s interactions with multiple women leading up to their tragic fates, it refrains from depicting the actual murders on screen.
Instead, it emphasizes the moments leading up to these horrific events, allowing viewers to grasp the full extent of Alcala’s manipulative tactics.
Although Cherlyl Bradshaw picked the murderer, his ‘creepy’ behavoir put her off going through with the date[/caption]
Creative liberties
While based on real events, Woman of the Hour takes some creative liberties.
For instance Cheryl, who appeared alongside Alcala on The Dating Game, confronts Alcala in a bar after their show appearance — something which did not happen in real life.
The opening scene sets a haunting tone for Woman of the Hour, effectively establishing Alcala as a chilling figure whose charm masks a deeply violent nature.
By focusing on his initial interactions with victims rather than graphic depictions of violence, the film invites viewers to reflect on the broader implications of societal indifference toward such predators.
Anna Kendrick plays a fictionalized version of Cheryl, the contestant who picked Alcala on The Dating Game.
She not only stars in the series, Anna’s also on directing duties and fought to keep the opening scene as it is.
She told Digital Spy: “I was frankly shocked with myself for being so firm.
“I think I said something along the lines of, ‘If it’s really important to you guys that the movie open in a nightclub and have a certain feeling, that’s fine, but I don’t know how to make that movie’.”
