Woman of the Hour Movie Review— A Chilling, Stylish Look Into the Life of a Serial Killer and the Woman Who Escaped Him
If you’re a true crime fan or a lover of gritty, character-driven dramas set against a nostalgic backdrop, this article Woman of the Hour movie review is a must read and the film is a must-watch. This visually compelling Netflix original dives deep into the disturbing true story of Rodney Alcala, the infamous serial killer who shockingly appeared as a contestant on a televised dating show in the late 1970s — and won.
Directed by Anna Kendrick (who also stars in the film), Woman of the Hour is more than just a retelling of a terrifying moment in American television history. It’s a smart, tension-filled thriller that weaves together Alcala’s chilling past with the perspective of Sheryl Bradshaw, the woman who narrowly escaped becoming one of his victims. What the film does best is not just recount facts, but explore the emotional and social atmosphere of the time — especially for women trying to navigate fame, danger, and autonomy.
The Storyline
The movie centers around Sheryl Bradshaw, played with emotional depth and vulnerability by Anna Kendrick. Sheryl is a struggling actress who lands a spot on the hit show The Dating Game — a gig that could jumpstart her career. What she doesn’t know is that one of her three potential bachelors, Rodney Alcala (brilliantly portrayed by Daniel Zovatto), is not just a charming contestant but a deeply disturbed predator with a long history of violence and murder.
The film cleverly uses a non-linear structure, slowly revealing the gruesome scope of Alcala’s crimes. Scenes flash between Alcala’s past — where we see glimpses of his manipulations, his murders, and how he evaded capture — and Sheryl’s present, as she grapples with industry sexism, personal doubts, and an increasingly uncomfortable feeling about Bachelor Number One.
Woman of the Hour Movie Review Performances
Daniel Zovatto delivers an unforgettable performance as Rodney Alcala. He perfectly captures the duality of Alcala’s persona: the smooth-talking ladies’ man who could win over a national audience, and the menacing predator hiding in plain sight. Zovatto doesn’t lean too heavily into caricature — instead, he presents a version of Alcala that is believably sinister, which makes it all the more terrifying.
Anna Kendrick, known more for her comedic and lighthearted roles, proves her dramatic range here. Her portrayal of Sheryl is grounded, resilient, and full of quiet strength. As Sheryl becomes increasingly suspicious of Alcala, Kendrick effectively shows us the internal conflict of a woman trying to trust her instincts in a world that constantly tells her not to.
Visuals and Direction
The film is stunningly shot, with a palette and costume design that perfectly evoke the gritty glamour of 1970s Los Angeles. From the game show’s pastel sets to the smoky streets and vintage interiors, every detail immerses the viewer in the era. I especially appreciated how the visuals weren’t just retro for the sake of style — they added to the authenticity and tension, reminding us that behind the disco lights and charm, something much darker was unfolding.
Based on True Events
While the film is inspired by real events, some creative liberties were taken — most notably in how the story presents Sheryl’s post-show interaction with Alcala. In real life, Sheryl Bradshaw never went out for a drink with Alcala. In fact, she later reported that she found him incredibly creepy and backed out of their planned date shortly after filming. Thankfully, her instincts saved her life.
The film, however, uses this deviation to build suspense and explore what could have happened — and in doing so, it underscores just how many women were not so lucky.
Woman of the Hour Movie Review Final Thoughts
Woman of the Hour is a haunting, beautifully made thriller that doesn’t just focus on a killer’s crimes, but on the cultural conditions that let him hide in plain sight. It’s a reminder of how women’s fears are often dismissed — and how those instincts can mean the difference between life and death.
As someone who’s also writing a novel set in the 1970s (Memphis), I especially loved how the film brought the era to life. The music, the fashion, the casual sexism — all of it felt authentic and layered, not just set dressing but part of the story’s DNA.
It’s not just a movie about a murderer; it’s a story about survival, about the lives that almost ended, and the strength it takes to trust your gut when the world tells you otherwise.
Rating: 9/10
Stylish, suspenseful, and thought-provoking — Woman of the Hour is a powerful addition to the true crime genre.
