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Anna Kendrick has chosen to donate her earnings from her Netflix directorial debut, Woman of the Hour, to charity, expressing that profiting from a project centered on tragic events felt “gross.”

In recent interviews and podcast appearances, Kendrick revealed that her decision stemmed from deep ethical considerations about monetizing true-crime stories, which often highlight the traumatic experiences of victims.

Details On ‘Woman of The Hour’

In the October 18 Netflix movie, Woman of the Hour, Cheryl Bradshaw, a contestant on the 1978 TV show The Dating Game, unwittingly crossed paths with serial killer Rodney Alcala.

Starring and directing, Kendrick raised awareness of a case that examines the effects of abuse on women. The Rape, Abuse & Incest National Network (Rainn) and the National Center for Victims of Crime (Ncvc) received Kendrick’s revenues despite the success of the play.

Speaking on the Crime Junkie Af podcast with Ashley Flowers, Kendrick shared her thought process.

Mark your calendars for Saturday, November 9, 2024, at 9:00 Pm Et/Pt, when Fox airs an intense encore episode of 48 Hours titled “Rodney Alcala: The Killing Game.” This gripping two-hour special delves deep into the dark and disturbing case of Rodney Alcala, one of the nation’s deadliest serial killers whose body count continues to grow.

In this episode, Peter Van Sant and the 48 Hours team revisit the horrifying trail left by Alcala, a charming photographer and former contestant on “The Dating Game.” Known for his ability to blend into society, Alcala managed to evade capture for years, leaving behind a string of victims across the country. The investigation uncovers chilling details about his modus operandi and the relentless efforts of law enforcement to bring him to justice.

One of the episode’s highlights includes an interview with Sweetwater County Sheriff Corporal Jeff Sheaman, who expresses his belief that Alcala may have up to 200 victims.

Mark your calendars for Saturday, November 9, 2024, at 9:00 Pm Et/Pt, when CBS brings back a chilling episode of 48 Hours titled “Rodney Alcala: The Killing Game.” Hosted by Peter Van Sant, this special dives deep into the dark history of one of America’s most elusive and deadly serial killers.

Rodney Alcala, once a charming photographer and contestant on “The Dating Game,” led a double life that shocked the nation. Known for his intelligence and charisma, Alcala’s sinister side remained hidden as he crisscrossed the country, leaving a trail of victims in his wake. This episode explores just how many lives he may have taken, with experts suggesting the number could be much higher than previously known.

Sheriff Corporal Jeff Sheaman from Sweetwater County, Wyoming, shares his thoughts on the ongoing investigation, expressing concerns that Alcala could have up to 200 victims. The episode also recounts Alcala’s capture and...

Anna Kendrick realizes she has a lot to live up to following the success of her directorial debut “Woman of the Hour.”

She is still looking for her next directorial effort.

“I haven’t found anything that I’m as passionate about because I think I really hit the jackpot with ‘Woman of the Hour’ — the script and the actors and everything about it,” she tells Variety at the Lacma Art-Film Gala on Saturday night in Los Angeles. “So it’s been very daunting to try to find something that I care that much about.”

The film tells the true story of serial killer Rodney Alcala’s 1978 appearance on the “The Dating Game.” In addition to directing the film, Kendrick also stars as the game show contestant Sheryl Bradshaw, opposite Daniel Zovatto as Alcala.

Photo Gallery: From Charli Xcx and Troye Sivan’s Sweat Tour Reunion to Kim Kardashian Wearing...

The run-up to Halloween is peak spooky season, and this week’s Samba TV Weekly Wrap Report proves that streaming audiences are flocking to scary fare. Yet despite an influx of horror flicks, thrillers, and serial killer content, none of it can scare “The Penguin” out of the top spot.

Collin Farrell’s turn as Gotham City’s bird-like crime boss has held the top spot for six consecutive weeks and shows no sign of stopping, with two more episodes to go in the Max/HBO series.

Now, let’s count the creepies. “Woman of the Hour,” in second place again this week, tells the how-can-this-be-real-life story of serial killer Rodney Alcala appearing as a contestant on “The Dating Game” in the 1970s. Newcomer “Don’t Move” is No. 4 this week, with 1.1 million households watching the Netflix horror movie in the first three days it was available.

Director M. Night Shyamalan,...

Anna Kendrick may have made her directorial debut with Woman of the Hour but she made no profit from it after deciding to donate all of her pay to Rainn (Rape, Abuse & Incest National Network) and the National Center for Victims of Violent Crime.

While appearing on the Crime Junkie Af podcast to chat about the Netflix film, Kendrick reflected on making the decision for her donation.

“This was never a money-making venture for me. All the resources went to actually just making the movie,” Kendrick told host Ashley Flowers.

She said that things took a turn ahead of taking the film to the Toronto International Film Festival where she realized money would become involved in conversations about the film: “I went from being like, ‘Let me know when the movie happens,’ to being like, ‘Oh god I am responsible for this,’ and then it was making the movie — we...

Anna Kendrick made a point to not profit off of true crime with her directorial debut “Woman of the Hour.”

Kendrick, who also stars in and executive produces the film, donated her salary to organizations Rainn and the National Center for Victims of Violent Crime.

“Woman of the Hour” captures the true story of serial killer Rodney Alcala (Daniel Zovatto), who appeared on “The Dating Game” in 1978. Kendrick portrays “The Dating Game” contestant Sheryl Bradshaw who chose Alcala. Prior to his appearance on the reality show, Alcala had served three years in prison for assaulting two underage girls prior to murdering five women under the guise of photographing them for The Los Angeles Times, where he worked.

Kendrick said during the “Crime Junkie Af” podcast in the below video that she did not want to “feel gross” about making money from telling the story of Alcala, who was later convicted of killing five people.

Anna Kendrick made her feature directorial debut with Women of the Hour, the film based on the true story of serial killer Rodney Alcala. She also plays the lead role in the film as a character that draws from Cheryl Bradshaw, who narrowly escaped Alcala’s violence after encountering him on the series The Dating Game in the 1970s. Before money started flowing in after the film was purchased by Netflix, Kendrick made a conscious choice to redirect her portion of the proceeds to abuse charities and organizations.

“I sort of asked myself the question,...

Anna Kendrick revealed during an interview on the “Crime Junkie Af” podcast that she made no money from directing “Woman of the Hour” because she donated her pay to Rainn and the National Center for Victims of Violent Crime. These organizations are two of the country’s leading nonprofits that support survivors of sexual abuse and violence.

“This was never a money-making venture for me,” Kendrick said. “Eventually, Netflix bought the movie. But it wasn’t until, like, the week before [the movie’s premiere at] TIFF that I thought, ‘Oh, the movie’s gonna make money. I asked myself the question of, ‘Do you feel gross about this?’ And I did.”

“So I’m not making money off of the movie,” she continued. “The money is going to — or has gone to — Rainn and to the National Center for Victims of Violent Crime. That felt like the least that I could do.”

“We’re...

After making her directorial debut Woman of the Hour, Anna Kendrick is donating her earnings to survivors of sexual abuse.

While opening up about the Netflix true-crime thriller, the Oscar nominee explained why she felt “gross” being paid for a film about ‘The Dating Game Killer’ Rodney Alcala‘s victims and survivors.

“Believe me, this was never a money-making venture for me, because all the resources went to actually making the movie,” she explained on the Crime Junkie Af podcast.

In addition to directing, Kendrick plays Cheryl Bradshaw, an aspiring actress in 1970s Los Angeles who finds herself courted by a serial killer (Daniel Zovatto) in the midst of a years-long killing spree, when they cross paths as contestants on popular game show The Dating Game.

“It wasn’t until the week before TIFF that I thought ‘Oh, the movie is going to make money,'” she added. “I went from being like,...

Lock your doors, draw the curtains, and keep the lights on — these true crime shows aren’t just here to entertain, if “entertain” is even the right word.

They’re here to send shivers down your spine and make you rethink how safe you really are.

With chilling tales of real-life horrors, sinister secrets, and the kind of mysteries that get under your skin, these series are guaranteed to make you uneasy.

(Prime Video/Screenshot)

You’ll come face to face with serial killers who lurk in plain sight, elusive predators who evade justice, and twisted family secrets that unravel into chaos.

Each show dives deep into the darkest corners of human nature, exposing the sinister truths that make everyday life feel a little less safe.

If you’re brave enough to watch, these 21 shows will leave you questioning every creak in the night — and sleeping with one eye open.

Anna Kendrick is detailing an “icky” on-set experience with an unnamed director.

Kendrick said during Josh Horowitz’s “Happy Sad Confused” podcast in the below video that a filmmaker encouraged her to improvise during a production, only to then publicly “embarrass” her by suggesting she just stick to the script after all.

“I remember a director once in a room full of 100 extras or something being like, ‘Hey, on this next one just try something. Just make something up. Just improv something,’” Kenrick said. “And I did it and then the director called cut and came over and, once again in front of 100 extras, was like, ‘Oof, let’s go back to the script!’ It really felt like a very specific power move thing to embarrass me, to gain dominance. It was very icky.”

Yet Kendrick’s improv, though, ended up making it into the trailer for the film.

“And...

The Netflix film Woman of the Hour tells the based-on-real-events story of serial murderer Rodney Alcala — better known as “The Dating Game Killer” — who appeared on the primetime game show in 1978, in the midst of a spree of violent attacks and murders of women. Anna Kendrick directs and stars in the film as Sheryl Bradshaw, an aspiring actor and Dating Game contestant who selected Alcala (Daniel Zovatto) as the winning bachelor on the show, but, like her real-life counterpart Cheryl Bradshaw, gets out of the encounter alive. Alcala died in...

Anna Kendrick recently turned director with the Netflix drama Woman of the Hour. Following the story of real-life serial killer Rodney Alcala and his 1978 appearance on The Dating Game, the film received positive reviews from critics for Kendrick’s direction and the exploration of themes like systemic misogyny.

Kendrick has been vocal about her struggles in dysfunctional relationships in the past, revealing that she was in an abusive relationship for seven years at the time of Alice, Darling’s release. She recently opened up more about her experiences while in the relationship and mentioned that there were times when she was made to feel like the abuser.

Anna Kendrick’s Ex Made Her Feel Like She Was The Abuser In The Relationship Anna Kendrick in Pitch Perfect | Credits: Universal Pictures

Anna Kendrick is best known for her roles in Pitch Perfect, A Simple Favor, and Up In The Air, the...

She’s the woman of the hour, having added director to her extensive resume! Anna Kendrick has been touring the press circuit in style, promoting her directorial debut, Woman of the Hour, which has received generally positive reviews from critics.

Woman of the Hour, released by Netflix on October 18, is based on the true story of serial killer Rodney Alcala, who appeared on the TV show The Dating Game in 1987 amid his murder sprees.

Set in the 1970s, the thriller drama centers on Sheryl Bradshaw (Anna Kendrick), an aspiring actress who signs up for a dating show in an attempt to break into the industry. In the show, the bachelorette asks scripted questions to three bachelors hidden behind a huge wall before choosing one to go on a paid trip with. Bradshaw selects Rodney Alcala (Daniel Zovatto) without knowing that he is a serial killer and a convicted sex offender...

Blake Lively almost had a career renaissance after the release of her controversial film It Ends With Us. Unfortunately, the string of issues that followed her during the promotional tours and press conferences only snuffed the hope of reviving her fame.

Credits: Anna Kendrick in Woman of the Hour / Netflix

Unlike Lively’s former costar Anna Kendrick, whom she worked with in 2018’s A Simple Favor, the Pitch Perfect star is now carving her own path as a director. Not every actor gets the opportunity to helm a project, but the singer proves that she’s versatile and multitalented enough.

Woman of the Hour by Anna Kendrick Receives Praise from Fans

Anna Kendrick is the power behind the critically acclaimed crime thriller film Woman of the Hour, also known as her directorial debut. It is based on the life of serial killer Rodney Alcala, who appeared in the 1978 television show...

Approximately one-third of the Netflix true crime thriller “Woman of the Hour” takes place on set of “The Dating Game,” where real-life serial killer Rodney Alcala was a contestant in the 1970s. So, the production designer for the Anna Kendrick-directed film had two missions: to accurately recreate the well-known set and to make that colorful, cheery space highlight the irony of a murderer’s participation on a romantic game show.

“Woman of the Hour,” written by Ian McDonald, is structured to jump back and forth in time to dates where Alcala committed his heinous killings, while “The Dating Game” show anchors the action. Kendrick also stars in the film, portraying Cheryl Bradshaw (Sheryl for the movie), the unwitting bachelorette on the 1978 episode.

One of the first questions production designer Brent Thomas asked himself was, “How do we help the audience experience what Sheryl is going through on the set?...

In 1978, Rodney James Alcala appeared on the popular TV show The Dating Game, an event now infamous due to his secret criminal history.

Alcala’s story gained renewed attention with Netflix’s Woman of the Hour, a dramatization of his life and crimes, focusing on his appearance on The Dating Game.

Directed by Anna Kendrick, the film delves into the eerie juxtaposition of Alcala’s charm on national television and the horrifying truth of his violent tendencies.

Woman of the Hour has received positive feedback for its gripping portrayal of Rodney Alcala’s crimes, with viewers praising Anna Kendrick’s directorial debut.

Critics have highlighted the film’s unsettling juxtaposition of Alcala’s charm on The Dating Game and his violent criminal background.

Some viewers, however, found the dramatization to be disturbing, particularly because it’s based on a true story.

Watch Rodney Alcala win The Dating Game contest

At 35 years old,...

Netflix’s Woman of the Hour highlights one of the most unsettling chapters in true crime history.

Rodney Alcala, a serial killer who appeared as a contestant on the 1978 TV show The Dating Game.

Directed by and starring Anna Kendrick as Cheryl Bradshaw, the woman who unknowingly chose Alcala, the film uncovers the chilling story behind this notorious murderer.

The film focuses on the dramatic events surrounding The Dating Game, with Anna Kendrick portraying contestant Cheryl Bradshaw.

Daniel Zovatto takes on the role of serial killer Rodney Alcala, while Nicolette Robinson and Tony Hale join the cast in supporting roles.

Together, the actors bring to life this unsettling real-life story of a game show appearance that concealed a far more sinister reality, capturing the tension and dark twists of the true crime that inspired the film.

Rodney Alcala’s criminal activities began long before his appearance on The Dating Game

Rodney Alcala,...

Anna Kendrick’s Woman of the Hour takes a fascinating and disturbing piece of true crime history—the story of Rodney Alcala, aka “The Dating Game Killer”—and turns it into a tense, nostalgia-soaked crime thriller. Balancing her trademark charm with unsettling tension, Kendrick directs a stylish film that thrives on its great performances, retro vibes, and a narrative that’ll make you grateful for modern-day DNA evidence. Though it occasionally feels a bit too polished for the gritty 70s setting, Woman of the Hour is a strong debut for Kendrick behind the camera.

“[The Woman of the Hour] thrives on its great performances, retro vibes, and a narrative that’ll make you grateful for modern-day DNA evidence.”

The movie opens with a single, harrowing scene that sets the tone: Rodney Alcala (Daniel Zovatto) lures a woman into a secluded spot under the guise of a photography session, only to strangle her to death. This establishes Alcala’s pattern—charm,...

Woman of the Hour found a savior in Anna Kendrick, just when it needed one the most.

The true-crime thriller is now streaming on Netflix and marks the feature directorial debut for Kendrick, who also stars. The film is based on the story of real-life serial killer Rodney Alcala (Daniel Zovatto) and his reputation as the “Dating Game Killer,” as the narrative involves his appearance on a 1978 episode of The Dating Game with bachelorette Cheryl Bradshaw. (The name of the lead female character, played by Kendrick, is “Sheryl” for the film.)

During his conversation with The Hollywood Reporter, screenwriter Ian McDonald explains why he felt compelled to change dialogue from the game show, his failed efforts to connect with the movie’s subject and why he hopes the streaming film will be “received as art, not content.”

Anna Kendrick on the set of Woman of the Hour.

How did you...

Warning: This article features footage involving a true crime story that might be disturbing for some readers.

With the release of Woman of the Hour, many viewers have taken interest in the real life “Dating Game Killer.” Many have also taken note of the real life episode of The Dating Game that served as the basis of the film. As the real footage has been uploaded online, viewers are getting the chance to compare the film to what really happened.

Footage From The Original Game Show Has Shown Up On YouTube

The Netflix movie features actress Anna Kendrick, who is also making her directorial debut with the film, as Sheryl Bradshaw. Kendrick’s role is based on the real-life figure of Cheryl Bradshaw, who appeared on The Dating Game, where she chose to go out on a date with serial killer Rodney Alcala.

The film takes a few liberties to...

Anna Kendrick and I are discussing soundbite culture.

She’s winding down after a day of interviews for her directorial debut, “Woman of the Hour,” where she’s been navigating the tricky business of getting audiences hyped for the chilling true story about the time a serial killer was a bachelor on “The Dating Game.”

The movie, now streaming on Netflix, is a subversive take on the true crime genre. The story is not focused on the killer’s motives or his capture, but more of a meditation on all the secret ways women navigate the world to ensure their survival, which makes the movie tough to boil down into a few quippy quotes.

As we walk to Kendrick’s hotel suite, I crack a joke about someone asking her to sing while talking about serial killers and she covers her mouth to suppress a knowing laugh. Because, when doing press,...

A serial killer hid in plain sight during a famous television appearance in the 1970s before going on to kill at least seven people. Rodney Alcala was already a registered sex offender when he won a date on “The Dating Game” in 1978. Unknown to producers at the time, Alcala would later be convicted of seven murders across California and New York. However, authorities believe his total victim count may be over 130 people.

While appearing charming on TV, Alcala’s dating contestant Cheryl Bradshaw had an unsettling feeling about him. Her intuition told her not to go on the planned date, which included tennis lessons and a trip to an amusement park. Bradshaw contacted show coordinators to cancel, saying “There’s weird vibes that are coming off him. He’s very strange. I am not comfortable.” That decision likely saved her life, as Alcala is now considered one of America’s most prolific serial killers.

Netflix thriller looks back at the stranger-than-fiction tale of a serial killer who was a contestant on a 1970s dating show

“I am serving you for dinner,” said Cheryl Bradshaw, “What are you called and what do you look like?” Bachelor number one, Rodney Alcala, replied: “I’m called the banana and I look really good … Peel me.” Bradshaw burst into laughter and so did the studio audience.

This was a seemingly innocuous episode of the television show The Dating Game in 1978. Bradshaw, able to put questions to three contestants but unable to see them, selected Alcala, a longhaired photographer who enjoyed skydiving and motorcycling in his spare time. What she could not know was that she had booked a date with one of the most prolific serial killers in American history.

Spoiler Alert: This story contains mild spoilers for “Woman of the Hour,” now streaming on Netflix.

“Woman of the Hour” screenwriter Ian McDonald faced a unique challenge with his sophomore feature: Tell a true crime story that felt “necessary and useful.” Luckily, the stranger-than-fiction story of Rodney Alcala, who won “The Dating Game” during a 1978 appearance amid a serial killing spree, was ripe for examination.

“There’s a lot out there where a serial killer attacks a bunch of women, and there’s absolutely no reason to tell it,” McDonald says. “There was something about this that felt like it could be socially and culturally relevant now. You’ll sometimes hear people say, ‘Rodney’s kind of like Ted Bundy,’ by which I think they mean he’s handsome and well-educated. But he was actually very different: He was a chameleon. He was good at pretending he was something he wasn’t.

Based on a series of true events, fans are itching to know the real-life connection between Monique Hoyt and the latest Netflix thriller, Woman of the Hour. 

Directed by Anna Kendrick, Woman of the Hour sets itself around a string of real-life killings committed by the infamous Dating Game Killer (aka Rodney Alcala). 

While the movie mostly focuses on one of Alcala's victims, whom he met on an appearance on the iconic 1970s competition series, The Dating Game, it also depicts some vital details from throughout his reign of terror, including the abduction of a 15-year-old girl named Monique Hoyt. 

Read full article on The Direct.

Netflix’s Woman of the Hour is a gripping psychological thriller that dives into the dark world of manipulation, deceit, and crime. Directed by Anna Kendrick, who also stars as the lead, Woman of the Hour presents a chilling narrative inspired by a true story. The plot revolves around a young woman caught in a life-threatening situation with a man hiding a terrifying secret.

What is the movie ‘Woman of the Hour’ about?

Woman of the Hour takes place in the 1970s and centers on the life of Cheryl Bradshaw, a struggling actress who unexpectedly becomes the bachelorette on a popular TV dating show. As the cameras roll and she tries to navigate awkward interviews with her suitors, Cheryl has no idea that one of her contestants harbors a deadly secret. Rodney Alcala, a seemingly charming and intelligent man, sits across from her, but unbeknownst to Cheryl and the audience,...

Spoiler Warning: This story discusses plot details for “Woman of the Hour,” now streaming on Netflix.

Netflix’s “Woman of the Hour” marks Anna Kendrick’s directorial debut, but that was not the movie’s only breakthrough performance. Of all the featured victims, one young girl stands out in the ripped-from-the-headlines plot: Amy, a runaway teen, survived her encounter with the serial killer Rodney Alcala. Amid his murder spree, he was a contestant on “The Dating Game” in the 1970s.

Amy is played by Autumn Best, who makes her film debut with the pivotal role. She’s an alum of the CW series “The 4400,” but, believe it or not, she went into her audition with little to no hope of landing the part.

She was working as a barista at a coffee shop in Chicago when she learned about the opportunity. “I got the email, and I was like,...

Although Woman of the Hour takes some creative liberties, the true crime film’s writer aimed to capture the “emotional reality” of Rodney Alcala‘s murders.

Following a Saturday screening of the Netflix film hosted by Writers Guild of America, screenwriter Ian McDonald told me in a Q&a that he felt “an obligation” to Alcala’s victims and survivors as the true crime genre becomes increasingly ripe with spectacle and sensationalism.

“I mean, it’s tricky because on one hand, it should just be a basic tenet of writing any sort of thriller,” he explained. “If you wanna feel scared for someone, you kind of have to know who they are and you have to know where they’re from and where they’re going and what they care about, and the more you can get to know them as a person, the more you’re gonna feel their...

The new Netflix film, Woman of the Hour, bring the story of the “Dating Game Killer” to the streaming world. As in real life, the film details an episode of The Dating Game, in which one of the bachelors turned out to have been a dangerous threat. The film also reflects Netflix’s reputation as a true crime story hot spot.

The Film Marks The Directorial Debut Of Its Lead Actress

As the film details, serial killer Rodney Alcala appeared on an episode of The Dating Game, where he won a date with contestant Cheryl Bradshaw. At the time, he had already killed five women. When news of this came to light, Alcala’s appearance on the show earned him the nickname, the “Dating Game Killer.”

Anna Kendrick appears in the film as Cheryl Bradshaw. The film also marks the actress’ directorial debut. Actor Daniel Zovatto portrays Alcala.

‘Woman of the Hour...

Bold and the Beautiful spoilers suggest Will Spencer and Carter Walton let their guard down and veer off in odd directions when making decisions that can impact their careers on the CBS soap. Next week, Will can’t hide his infatuation with the many gorgeous women flitting about Fc.

But after a collision with Electra Forrester in the workplace, everyone but her is wiped off his radar screen. Then Carter Walton shakes things up with some heated words in the boardroom while tenderly watching Hope Logan’s back.

Bold and the Beautiful Spoilers: Will Spencer Electra-Fied

Bold and the Beautiful spoilers have Will Spencer (Crew Morrow) quite smitten next week by a newcomer to B&b, Electra Forrester. She is played by Laneya Grace. Eric Forrester (John McCook) is her tie-in to the family.

She is Eric’s brother’s granddaughter, and soon a rival family’s son develops tunnel vision for this newbie.

A debut directorial feature is an exciting prospect from the audience’s perspective. It allows them to experience a new voice in the filmmaking sphere and, consequently, a fresh bout of energy in the filmmaking itself. To expect that voice to exhibit an encompassing uniqueness from its inception would be too much, but a confluence of different inspirations rising through as an expression of ideas can be fascinating.

Such is the case with Anna Kendrick. As much as it is a film squarely set in the 1970s, an adaptation of a true-crime event about serial killer Rodney Alcala, who would appear on a 1978 taping of the game show “The Dating Game,” it is also very much an examination of systemic misogyny and its intersection with violence through a 21st-century lens.

The above line might suggest the film’s flaw is the failure of faithful reconstruction of that era, but that is hardly the case.

It’s been a long journey to get “Woman of the Hour” to the screen, and an even weirder one to get Anna Kendrick to both star in and direct it. According to the actress, that last piece was borne out of the “most ambivalent pitch in Hollywood history.”

Written by Ian McDonald, “Woman of the Hour” tells the weirdly true story of Rodney Alcala, a serial killer who ended up competing — and winning — on “The Dating Game.” He did so right in the middle of his multi-year murder spree. The film ended up on The Black List in 2017 and was purchased by Netflix in 2021.

In 2022, the film went on the market at the Cannes Film Festival, with Netflix no longer attached. Shortly thereafter, it was announced that Kendrick was attached to direct, after already being set to star in and produce it. Now, two years later, it’s finally streaming,...

Woman of the Hour, the 2024 Netflix movie directed by and starring Anna Kendrick, follows the chilling true-crime story of a serial killer who appeared on The Dating Game in the late 1970s. The film’s score, composed by Dan Romer (Luca) and Mike Tuccillo (Ramy), sets the tone for this unsettling narrative, while the expertly selected needle-drops enhance its retro atmosphere. Here’s a breakdown of the Woman of the Hour Soundtrack, including every song featured in the movie that offers a mix of soul, funk, and emotional ballads that resonate with the era.

What is the movie about?

Set in 1978, the film follows the real-life event where Cheryl Bradshaw, portrayed by Kendrick as the character Sheryl, participates in a popular TV show called The Dating Game. The show’s premise involves a bachelorette asking questions to three bachelors hidden behind a wall, choosing one for a date. Unbeknownst to her,...

Rodney Alcala, also known as the “Dating Game Killer,” remains one of the most notorious serial killers in American history. Like most serial killers, he was known for his charm, intelligence, and ability to manipulate others. In 1978, Alcala appeared on the popular TV show, The Dating Game, where he charmed bachelorette Cheryl Bradshaw and won a date with her. However, a gut feeling from the contestant helped save her life.

Cheryl Bradshaw on The Dating Game | Credits: YouTube

Shortly after the show ended, Bradshaw made the sudden decision to back out of their set-up date. Her walking away from Alcala helped her live to see another day. However, a crime profiler believes that it may have inadvertently set him on a rampage that claimed the lives of many more victims.

How Cheryl Bradshaw’s rejection affected Rodney Alcala

In recent years, crime stories and documentaries have grabbed the world’s attention.

Spoiler Alert !!!This contains spoilers for Netflix's Woman of the Hour!

Anna Kendrick’s directorial debut is sure to send chills down your spine and leave you with nightmares, especially if you’re a woman! Titled Woman of the Hour, this haunting film tells the chilling true story of serial killer Rodney Alcala.

Anna Kendrick in Woman of the Hour (2024) | Credits: Leah Gallo/Netflix

Kendrick has done an exceptional job of capturing the horror of it all. Here’s a closer look at Alcala’s terrifying tale and how Kendrick approached this intense project.

How Rodney Alcala Terrorized an Entire Decade!

The climax of Anna Kendrick‘s Woman of the Hour is a nail-biter that keeps you glued to the screen. We feel a rush of relief as teen runaway Amy manages to outsmart the serial killer Rodney Alcala played by Daniel Zovatto and bravely turns him in to the authorities.

It’s a notorious freak moment in daytime television. On Sept. 13, 1978, one of the three competing bachelors on “The Dating Game” was Rodney Alcala, who turned out to be a serial killer; he was captured the following year. It’s no joke — or maybe it’s a meaningful one — to say that Alcala had the looks and personality of a 1970s ladykiller. He was coiffed like one of the Hudson Brothers, with a chiseled grin redolent of Engelbert Humperdinck. He practically beamed good vibes — along with some semi-submerged bad ones, answering his “Dating Game” questions in a way that was so confident it was…aggressive.

TV, of course, never got much kitschier than “The Dating Game.” I used to watch it as a kid, marveling at the fact that the entire show, with its Herb Albert-on-happy-pills theme music and its flower-power décor, was a kind of leering, smirky put-on that...

Directed by Anna Kendrick, “Woman of the Hour” on Netflix is the most recent example of a Black List script coming to the screen. Written by Ian McDonald, the screenplay revolves around Cheryl Bradshaw, a once-aspiring actress, who decided to take part in The Dating Game, a reality TV show from the 1970s where the female contestants are supposed to find their suitor based on the available options. One of those contestants was Rodney Alcala, a serial killer who tricks her and everyone on set with his charm. Those who were born after this period may have seen this show being spoofed on SNL sketches. “Woman of the Hour” presents a terrifying account of this woman to unravel the dual nature of its serial killer.

Spoilers Ahead

Woman of the Hour (2024) Plot Summary & Movie Synopsis:

Set in 1970s LA, “Woman of the Hour” is a true crime mystery drama film that revolves around Cheryl Bradshaw,...

Our top pick this week, “Woman of the Hour,” is the directorial debut of Academy Award nominee Anna Kendrick. Kendrick stars in this Netflix true-crime thriller as Cheryl Bradshaw, a woman who had a terrifying encounter with serial killer Rodney Alcala, whom she met when they both appeared on the game show “The Dating Game” in 1978. Daniel Zovatto, best known for appearing in horror movies like “It Follows” and “Don’t Breathe,” plays Alcala, with Tony Hale playing the host, who’s based on Jim Lange.

Kendrick is one of the few people to be nominated for the Triple Crown of Acting without winning in any category. She might get there someday, especially if she keeps making movies like this, a tense and thoughtful thriller with a 91% “Fresh” rating on Rotten Tomatoes.

Here are some other movies to stream this weekend:

“MaXXXine”: The third installment in Ti West and Mia Goth...

Kathryn Gallagher stars alongside Anna Kendrick in the new Netflix movie Woman of the Hour and she also wrote a song for the film!

The Grammy-winning and Tony-nominated actress penned the song “The Sweetest Song” for the movie, which is now streaming.

Woman of the Hour, which marks Anna‘s directorial debut, tells the stranger-than-fiction story of an aspiring actress in 1970s Los Angeles and a serial killer in the midst of a yearslong murder spree, whose lives intersect when they’re cast on an episode of The Dating Game.

In a recent interview, Kathryn explains how the song came to be!

Keep reading to find out more…

“You hear a little tidbit of a song I wrote. When we were filming it, I actually sang a different song that we couldn’t clear. So Anna called me about a year later, like right before we were going into Adr,...

There's a lot to learn about the young actress Autumn Best, who recently starred in Netflix's Woman of the Hour.

Woman of the Hour is a new crime thriller directed by Anna Kendrick, marking her directorial debut. It began streaming on Netflix on October 18.

The film explores the chilling true story of serial killer Rodney Alcala, who appeared on The Dating Game in 1978 while in the midst of a murder spree, with Kendrick portraying contestant Cheryl Bradshaw. 

Read full article on The Direct.

Anna Kendrick’s directorial debut “Woman of the Hour” premieres on Netflix Oct. 18, telling the true story of how American serial killer Rodney Alcala won “The Dating Game” in 1978.

Alcala, born in San Antonio, Texas on Aug. 23, 1943, was a serial killer and sexual predator who committed most of his crimes in California and New York. As an amateur photographer, he often took photos of his victims either before or after he killed them. At age 35, when Alcala appeared on the popular show “The Dating Game,” he already killed around five women and had been arrested twice for the rape of 8-year-old Tali Shapiro and the assault of a 13-year-old girl.

“The Dating Game,” which first premiered in 1965, paired a bachelorette with three eligible bachelors who were obscured behind a wall. The young lady would ask a series of saucy questions to each potential suitor. At the end of the show,...

As the Halloween holiday and the end of the year quickly approaches, our weekends will become more and more packed with activities and errands. That's why it's more important than ever to set aside some time to relax and watch some new Netflix movies and shows. But if you don't want to waste your time endlessly scrolling and finding something to watch, we're giving you some recommendations.

The current titles current taking up spots on the Netflix top 10 lists are Outer Banks, Love is Blind, Unhinged, Bad Boys: Ride or Die, Snake Eyes: G.I. Joe Origins, Nobody Wants This, Ancient Apocalypse: The Americas, Deceitful Love, and more. After watching these, make some room on your watch list for a few new releases are coming this weekend.

Wondering whether you should watch or skip Woman of the Hour, Sweet Bobby: My Catfish Nightmare, and The Lincoln Lawyer season 3? Here's what...

It’s hard to believe that Anna Kendrick would choose an unlikely subject to jumpstart her directorial career. That subject in question turns out to be a true-crime thriller based on the notorious serial killer Rodney Alcala, who appeared on an episode of The Dating Game in 1978 and Cheryl Bradshaw, the participating woman ended up choosing him. I figure Kendrick would go for something light and frothy, say a romantic comedy or a feel-good drama. Besides, from the time she rose to prominence playing Jessica in the Twilight Saga, she may act in different genres including gritty cop drama End of Watch and crime thriller The Accountant. But to me, she always reminds me of Pitch Perfect and Trolls – both movies that were best described as fun.

However, Kendrick’s directorial debut Woman of the Hour is anything but fun. Right from the opening scene, Kendrick has firmly established the...

Rodney Alcala was a notorious serial killer who terrorized the United States in the 1970s, leaving behind a trail of brutal crimes. Known as the Dating Game Killer due to his appearance on a popular game show, Alcala’s story is brought to life in Woman of the Hour, a Netflix film directed by and starring Anna Kendrick. This chilling movie explores the harrowing real-life events surrounding Alcala’s participation in The Dating Game and the crimes that made him infamous.

Alcala’s Appearance on The Dating Game A still from Woman of the Hour. | Netflix

Rodney Alcala’s appearance on The Dating Game in 1978 is central to the film’s narrative. In real life, Alcala was introduced to viewers as a “successful photographer” and won the competition, securing a date with bachelorette **Sheryl Bradshaw** (portrayed by Kendrick). However, Bradshaw quickly felt uneasy about Alcala and refused to go on the date,...

During the fall season, which has become popularly known these days as "spooky season," most of us prefer to watch horror movies and thrillers leading up to Halloween. Thankfully, Netflix has plenty of horror movie titles streaming right now or coming soon that you will want to add to your watch list.

But if jump scares and gore aren't quite your cup of tea, the best new Netflix original thriller movie was released on Oct. 18. Woman of the Hour comes from Academy Award nominated actress Anna Kendrick, who makes her directorial debut with the film that's based on a chilling true story.

Here's a little bit more about the movie's plot via Netflix:

The stranger-than-fiction story of an aspiring actress in 1970s Los Angeles and a serial killer in the midst of a yearslong murder spree, whose lives intersect when they’re cast on an episode of The Dating Game.

It may seem like a fun Hollywood twist to create a movie about a serial killer who appeared on “The Dating Game” in the middle of his crime spree, but in fact, it’s not just a tool. This really happened.

Now streaming on Netflix, “Woman of the Hour” tells the story of Rodney Alcala, who later became known as “The Dating Game Killer.” Then again, the story isn’t so much about him and his murders, as it is about the women — and in this case, one woman in particular — he encountered.

That one woman is Cheryl Bradshaw, played by Anna Kendrick, who also makes her directorial debut on the film. A struggling actress, Cheryl opts to go on “The Dating Game” in the hopes of getting some exposure. But there she meets Rodney, as Bachelor #3.

In real life, Bradshaw says she went on the show really hoping to find love.

Is Netflix's Woman of the Hour Based on a True Story? Anna Kendrick's New Movie Explained - Main Image

The new Anna Kendrick film Woman of the Hour is finally out on Netflix, and you might be wondering whether it is based on a true story.

The crime thriller follows the story of an aspiring actress in 1970s Los Angeles and a serial killer amid a years-long murder spree, whose lives intersect when they’re cast on an episode of The Dating Game.

Is Woman of the Hour Based on a True Story?

Yes, Woman of the Hour is based on a horrific true story that occurred during the 1970s.

Serial killer Rodney Alcala (played by Daniel Zovatto) did make an appearance in The Dating Game while committing a string of murders across the country. Most of the victims (if not all) were women.

Alcala won the episode...

It’s one of the stranger footnotes in the annals of American true crime: In 1978, a decade into cross-country reign of terror and still a year away from finally being caught, serial killer Rodney Alcala was a contestant on The Dating Game. “Bachelor No. 3” managed to impress the episode’s bachelorette, Chery Bradshaw, enough to win an an all-expense trip to Carmel, California, with her. A conversation after the show convinced Bradshaw that maybe she should pass on the opportunity to spend further time with someone who, television-friendly charm or not,...