The chilling tale of Woman of the Hour has left fans captivated and questioning its origins. With Anna Kendrick leading the cast in her directorial debut, the film has sparked widespread interest in the true story behind the enigmatic character. Many viewers have wondered if Woman of the Hour is based on a book or real-life events, as the plot’s intensity and suspense have left them craving more information.
Get the complete scoop as we unravel the layers behind this crime thriller movie.
Is Woman of the Hour based on a true story or a novel?
Anna Kendrick’s directorial debut Woman of the Hour is based on a true story.
Kendrick portrays actress Cheryl Bradshaw, who participated in The Dating Game in 1978. Unbeknownst to her, one of the show’s contestants and eventual winner was Rodney Alcala, a serial killer. While Alcala’s story does not begin or end with Bradshaw, her encounter marked a significant turning point in the chilling saga of a killer who evaded capture for decades.
According to Movieweb, Alcala had a history of inappropriate and disturbing behavior, particularly involving women, even during his brief military service. He faced repeated reprimands for misconduct, on base and in the surrounding community. Alcala was believed to have committed at least eight murders between 1977 and 1979.
However, the actual number of victims is believed to be significantly higher. Alcala was notorious for not only murdering his victims but also subjecting them to horrific torture. His preferred targets were young women, whom he could easily manipulate. Despite his outwardly charming demeanor, Alcala’s sinister nature was evident to those who knew him well.
In 1978, Alcala appeared on The Dating Game, a popular game show where a single individual interacts with three potential suitors through a series of questions designed to elicit laughter and showcase their personalities. Alcala’s participation in the show marked a significant turning point in his life. Despite his attempts to maintain a charming face, his odd behavior during the show raised concerns among viewers.
Although Alcala became the winner, Cheryl Bradshaw refused to go on a date, describing him as “creepy.” According to CNN, this public rejection may have exacerbated his tendencies towards violence and manipulation. Alcala’s history of harming women suggests that he was accustomed to dealing with rejection through aggression.
However, the highly public nature of Bradshaw’s refusal may have heightened his need to lash out. It potentially lead to an intensified pattern of attacks following his stint on the show. Woman of the Hour uses Bradshaw’s experience on The Dating Game to explore Alcala’s extensive criminal past in Los Angeles.
Woman of the Hour is currently streaming on Netflix.
