Netflix's 'Woman of the Hour' Tells Story of 'Dating Game Killer'

You might know the name Rodney Alcala, a serial killer who appeared on a 1978 episode of The Dating Game. The new Netflix movie, Woman of the Hour, directed by Anna Kendrick, brings his story into the spotlight. Daniel Zovatto plays Alcala, and Tony Hale is the fictional Dating Game host. The film takes us back to the show's taping and explores Alcala's dark relationships with his victims. Alcala was a master manipulator, making people feel comfortable and at ease. Zovatto studied photos of Alcala's victims to understand his character better. He was amazed at how Alcala could sit on TV, knowing his secrets. The movie shows how Alcala earned trust by taking photos, giving rides, or helping with chores. But if things didn't go his way, his true nature emerged. Tony Hale played the Dating Game host, capturing the era's objectification of women. He studied the real host, Jim Lange, to get his rhythm and delivery of sexual innuendos. The '70s fashion also helped Hale get into character. Meanwhile, Zovatto found the '70s clothing fun, but re-enacting murder scenes was unsettling. Alcala was arrested in 1979 when a victim called the police. After multiple trials and sentences, he died in jail before his execution. The movie honors his victims, showing their stories and the culture that let a killer hide in plain sight.