"Woman of the Hour" is a 2024 American crime thriller film marking Anna Kendrick's directorial debut. Based on a chilling true story, the film centers around the notorious serial killer Rodney Alcala and his appearance on the game show "The Dating Game" during his killing spree. Kendrick also stars as Cheryl Bradshaw, a contestant on the show, during Alcala's appearance. The film promises a suspenseful retelling of this unsettling true crime event.
In 1978, serial killer Rodney Alcala appeared on the television show "The Dating Game" in the midst of his murder spree.
Serial killer Rodney Alcala won a date with bachelorette Cheryl Bradshaw on "The Dating Game" in 1978. His unsettling demeanor during the episode led to him being called "The Dating Game Killer."
In December 2017, Ian MacAllister McDonald's screenplay "Rodney and Sheryl" was featured on the Black List.
Netflix bought a package around McDonald's script "Rodney and Sheryl" in May 2021, with Chloe Okuno as director and Anna Kendrick starring.
The film, with the working title "The Dating Game," was sold at the Cannes Film Festival in April 2022. Anna Kendrick was announced as director, producer, and star.
A producer sued another producer for alleged fraud and breach of contract in December 2022, with "The Dating Game" as one of the films involved.
Principal photography for the film took place in Vancouver from October to December 2022, with Zach Kuperstein as cinematographer.
On September 8, 2023, "Woman of the Hour" premiered at the Toronto International Film Festival.
"Woman of the Hour" was released by Netflix on October 18, 2024.
The American crime thriller film "Woman of the Hour," directed by Anna Kendrick, was released in 2024.