Netflix Revisits Rodney Alcala's Chilling Crimes

Netflix's new film 'Woman of the Hour,' directed by Anna Kendrick, revisits the chilling story of Rodney Alcala, a serial killer who appeared on 'The Dating Game' in 1978 and won a date with Cheryl Bradshaw, who ultimately declined after sensing something unsettling about him. By the time of his TV appearance, Alcala had already murdered at least five people and continued his spree until his arrest in 1979. The film explores the bizarre intersection of entertainment and true crime, with Kendrick portraying the contestant who narrowly escaped becoming one of Alcala's victims. Daniel Zovatto portrays Alcala, capturing both the killer's charm and menace. Alcala's deceptive charisma allowed him to work at the Los Angeles Times, using his position to lure victims. His case, involving numerous murders across several states, was eventually tied to many cold cases through DNA evidence, leading to his conviction in 2010.