Warning: This article reveals key details of the Netflix film “Woman of the Hour” (now streaming), so proceed with caution if you haven’t seen it yet.

In her directorial debut, “Woman of the Hour,” Anna Kendrick presents a storyline that, while extraordinary, is unfortunately based on real events.

The film features Kendrick as Sheryl, a character closely resembling Cheryl Bradshaw, who appeared on the well-known television program “The Dating Game” in 1978.

The game show’s concept is straightforward: a bachelorette asks a series of pre-determined questions to three bachelors hidden behind a wall, ultimately choosing one for a complimentary mini-vacation. Bradshaw selected Rodney Alcala, completely unaware that he was not only a convicted sex offender with prior prison time but also a serial killer.

Kendrick admits, “I understand why some might be surprised that I would choose this as my directorial debut.” However, she was drawn to the dark narrative since it allowed for a fresh take on a typical police drama that has predominantly featured male perspectives.

“This story had the making of a Hollywood film, possibly revolving around a young detective pursuing the case or a dedicated prosecutor ensuring justice,” she explains. “However, including that in my film would have felt emotionally disingenuous.”

Instead, Kendrick opted to focus on the many women victimized by Alcala.

Here’s a look at the factual basis of this true-crime story:

Was Rodney Alcala Actually a Serial Killer in ‘Woman of the Hour’?

Indeed, Rodney Alcala, born in Texas, was apprehended in 1979 and later convicted of murder. He is believed to have assaulted numerous individuals and may have killed more than 100 people during his decade-long crime spree.

Alcala’s arrest occurred in July 1979 when police found a pair of earrings that belonged to one of his victims in a storage locker he rented in Seattle. He was sentenced to death but passed away from natural causes at the age of 77 in 2021.

Did Rodney Alcala Attend NYU and Study with Roman Polanski?

In “Woman of the Hour,” Alcala tries to impress women by claiming he is a professional photographer who studied under Roman Polanski at New York University. While he did enroll at NYU, he never finished his studies, and there is no evidence that he met Polanski there—by then, Polanski was a well-known director of films like “Rosemary’s Baby.”

This coincided with a time when Alcala was evading law enforcement for crimes in California and had moved to New York, using the alias John Berger. In “Woman of the Hour,” Alcala lures and murders a flight attendant, portrayed by Kathryn Gallagher, referencing several of the crimes he committed during that period.

How Did Rodney Alcala Appear on ‘The Dating Game’ in 1978?

Alcala made his way onto “The Dating Game,” a television program based in Los Angeles, by simply applying to be one of the featured bachelors. The show did not perform thorough background checks, which likely allowed him to participate despite his criminal history.

Did the Real Cheryl Bradshaw Get to Choose Her Own Questions on ‘The Dating Game’?

No. Kendrick’s character, Sheryl, forgoes the typical and often suggestive questions expected of bachelorettes, instead opting for inquiries that reveal the men’s lack of intelligence, with Alcala being the exception.

Hale commented, “Anna cleverly demonstrated how her character had the chance to challenge the sexist culture around her. However, in the end, it brings her closer to a risky situation, leading her to choose Rodney.”