Women of the Hour

2024 - 10 - 18

When Dating Gets Dangerous: A Killer True Story!

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Could your charming date really be a serial killer? Discover the wild tale behind Netflix's new thriller 'Woman of the Hour'!

Netflix has a knack for turning real-life horrors into captivating dramas, and the latest offering is no exception. "Woman of the Hour," helmed by the talented Anna Kendrick, dives headfirst into the bizarre true crime story of Rodney Alcala, a man who, in 1978, somehow managed to charm his way onto the set of the quirky TV show, "The Dating Game." On a stage filled with eager singles, Alcala was not just another contestant; he was a serial killer who had already committed multiple murders, a fact that left audiences baffled and intrigued when the story finally made its way to the screen.

The film creatively intertwines a gripping narrative with elements of dating culture right from the funky 70s. While you might expect a tale like this to offer a rollercoaster of emotions, some reviewers suggested that the execution fell short of the wildness of the true story. Kendrick’s portrayal aims to highlight the absurdity of how a murderous fiend could enjoy a moment of fame without anyone having a clue about his sinister reality. The film's clever structure leads viewers through the dark funhouse of love and death but ultimately leaves some audiences wanting a richer experience that reflects the chaos of Alcala's life.

As the plot unfolds, it becomes strikingly clear that this isn’t just a story about a killer. Alcala epitomizes the dangers lurking beneath charming facades, raising questions about trust and the risks of stepping into the unknown. Will you be seduced by a good-looking stranger with cool guitar skills? Or will your date turn out to have a history some might cry about? The film calls into question not just who we choose to date but also what hidden shadows might dwell behind their engaging smiles. In an era filled with dating apps and social media, the chilling premise becomes all too relevant, leaving viewers wondering: could my dream date be hiding a dark past?

At its core, "Woman of the Hour" serves as a reminder that true crime can mirror our lives in the most unsettling ways. Alcala's story doesn't just serve up a cautionary tale; it's an eerie revelation about how appearances can be deceiving. Simply put, just because someone looks great on paper (or screen), doesn’t mean they aren’t hiding deadly secrets.

As a final fun fact, did you know that Alcala's infamous appearance on "The Dating Game" ultimately garnered him a date with the contestant Cheryl Bradshaw? She later refused to go on the date because she found him "creepy." But wait, it gets crazier! Alcala was later convicted of murdering several women and is currently on death row in California for his heinous acts. Kendrick's film not only entertains but also educates us on the fine line between allure and danger in the world of dating. Dare to swipe right?

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Image courtesy of "Vulture"

Review: Woman of the Hour Makes a Wild True Story Feel Dull (Vulture)

Netflix's new serial-killer drama 'Woman of the Hour,' directed by Anna Kendrick and based on a crazy true story, is intriguingly structured but ultimately ...

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Image courtesy of "Today.com"

Who Was Rodney Alcala? The True Story of 'Woman of the Hour' (Today.com)

When Cheryl Bradshaw appeared on “The Dating Game” in 1978, little did she know that the bachelor she chose to go on a date with, Rodney Alcala, ...

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Image courtesy of "Plugged In"

Woman of the Hour (Plugged In)

Positive Elements | Spiritual Elements | Sexual & Romantic Content | Violent Content | Crude or Profane Language | Drug & Alcohol Content | Other Noteworthy ...

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Image courtesy of "USA TODAY"

In 'Woman of the Hour,' Anna Kendrick tackles 'The Dating Game ... (USA TODAY)

"The Dating Game" seemed like a cute way to connect the sexes, until serial killer Rodney Alcala won, as seen in the Netflix film "Woman of the Hour."

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Image courtesy of "Rolling Stone"

'Woman of the Hour' Asks: Could Your Dream Date Be a 1970s ... (Rolling Stone)

Actor/director Anna Kendrick revisits the stranger-than-fiction pop culture moment in which a prolific murderer ended up on 'The Dating Game.'

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Image courtesy of "menshealth.com"

The Chilling True Story Behind 'Woman of the Hour' (menshealth.com)

'Woman of the Hour' is based on the true story of "Dating Game Killer" Rodney Alcala. Does the Netflix movie get all of the facts right? Find out here.

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Image courtesy of "The Washington Post"

'Woman of the Hour' is a true-crime, pop-culture thriller (The Washington Post)

Did you hear the one about the serial killer who went on a game show? True story. In 1978, Rodney Alcala appeared as a contestant on “The Dating Game” ...

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