Netflix’s Woman Of The Hour True Story, Explained

Netflix's Woman Of The Hour True Story, Explained

Key Takeaways

  • Anna Kendrick directed Woman of the Hour, a captivating movie based on true events premiering on Netflix in October 2024.
  • Woman of the Hour shows the chilling true story of Cheryl Bradshaw and serial killer Rodney Alcala in a dramatic and smart way.
  • Kendrick aims to explore themes of love, dating, and trust in Woman of the Hour, departing from sensationalized storytelling.

As a die-hard fan of Anna Kendrick’s work, I can confidently say that her directorial debut, “Woman of the Hour,” is set to be a game-changer. With an impressive resume under her belt, spanning from comedies like “Mike and Dave Need Wedding Dates” to more serious fare like “The Company You Keep,” Kendrick has proven her versatility as an actress. But with “Woman of the Hour,” she’s stepping into a new role – that of director – and I’m excited to see what she brings to the table.


As a devoted fan, I can’t help but marvel at Anna Kendrick’s captivating journey that began with a modest role in the 2008 film adaptation of Twilight. Her talent has since shone brightly in thought-provoking movies like 50/50 and Up in the Air, as well as hilarious comedies such as Pitch Perfect and Drinking Buddies. In 2022, she skillfully portrayed a woman trapped in an emotionally abusive relationship in Alice, Darling. Next up, she’s set to make her directorial debut with Woman of the Hour, which is slated to premiere on Netflix soon. I can hardly wait!

In the coming months, a variety of films are set to premiere on Netflix, including “Time Cut,” a chilling time travel horror flick, and “Woman of the Hour.” Given that “Woman of the Hour” is inspired by real events, viewers may be eager to gather details about this captivating and suspenseful movie prior to watching it.

What Is Woman Of The Hour About?

Netflix’s “The Woman in the Window” is a film adaptation centering around the notorious case of a serial killer who made an appearance on a dating reality show similar to ‘The Dating Game’. In this story, Anna Kendrick portrays Cheryl Bradshaw, an aspiring actress, who secures a date with Rodney Alcala (Daniel Zovatto), a man responsible for the deaths of five women. The movie is another addition to Netflix’s growing collection of true crime projects. The ensemble cast also includes Kathryn Gallagher, Tony Hale, Nicolette Robinson, and Taylor Hastings. Ian McDonald penned the script, while Kendrick took on directing duties.

In the trailer for “Woman of the Hour,” Cheryl struggles to land roles in auditions, but eventually secures a spot on a TV show titled “The Dating Game.” As she battles financial troubles and fails to pay her rent, her fortunes change when she’s cast on the show. However, the series presents an intriguing contrast between Cheryl developing feelings for Rodney on the show and Rodney secretly photographing his potential victims in a field setting. A makeup artist on set poses an insightful question to the contestants: “Whichever one of you will cause me pain?” This thought-provoking query hints at the sinister nature lurking beneath Rodney’s attractive exterior.

As a devoted movie enthusiast, I can’t wait to delve into the gripping tale of “Woman of the Hour,” a film that promises to unveil the startling truth about Rodney. From the captivating trailer alone, it seems the creators have found an innovative way to tell this compelling story. Unlike documentaries such as Netflix’s “Jailbreak: On The Run,” which offer a factual account of events, this film is a dramatic interpretation that delves deep into character development. This unique approach allows us, as viewers, to intimately understand this portrayal of Cheryl and Rodney, all while being mindful of the heart-wrenching and harrowing real-life incidents upon which the story is based.

The True Story Behind Woman Of The HourNetflix's Woman Of The Hour True Story, Explained

In the past, before Netflix became synonymous with reality dating series like “Love is Blind” and “Perfect Match”, another show had audiences hooked. This was “The Dating Game”, which first aired in 1965. Remarkably, Rodney Alcala, who would later be convicted of murdering multiple women, appeared on the show in 1978. By this time, Alcala had already taken the lives of two women, but due to a lack of background checks at the time, he managed to secure a spot on the program. Interestingly, one of the contestants, Cheryl Bradshaw, described him as “creepy”. Despite picking him for a date, she ultimately decided not to go through with it.

In 1979, Alcala was apprehended. In both 1980 and 1986, he was sentenced to death, but the judges reconsidered their decisions on two separate occasions. A new death sentence was imposed on him in 2010 following the discovery of fresh evidence. He eventually passed away from natural causes in 2021.

Similar to the Netflix horror film “The Deliverance,” which is inspired by real-life events, “Woman of the Hour” delves deeper than the sensationalized narrative often portrayed, providing insightful content. As Kendrick shared in an interview with Entertainment Weekly, this series tackles significant themes and poses thought-provoking questions about love, dating, and understanding another person at a deeper level. She stated:

It’s said that there was a ruthless, menacing murderer who appeared on a dating show in the past. However, when I took up the task to direct and delve deeper into the details, I found that his participation on the dating show is not what captivates me about this story.

Kendrick continued:

Instead of utilizing “The Dating Game,” let’s employ this narrative framework to explore the question of identifying trustworthy individuals versus those who might pose a risk.

When Does Woman Of The Hour Come Out?

Netflix's Woman Of The Hour True Story, Explained

On October 18th, 2024, the highly-anticipated film “Woman of the Hour” will make its debut on Netflix. Interestingly enough, this movie had its first screening at the Toronto International Film Festival on September 8th, 2023.

What Are Some Of Anna Kendrick’s Movies?

  • The Company You Keep (2011)
  • Into the Woods (2013)
  • Happy Christmas (2013)
  • Mike and Dave Need Wedding Dates (2016)
  • Table 19 (2017)
  • Noelle (2019)
  • Stowaway (2021)

Although a well-loved horror film departed from Netflix towards the end of September 2024, causing fans to bid farewell to cherished TV shows and movies that exit the platform, it is advisable to catch up on Woman of the Hour. Kendrick’s directorial debut promises to be as remarkable as the rest of her professional portfolio.

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2024-10-03 21:04