TORONTO, Canada – Netflix has secured the distribution rights for the new thriller film, “Woman of the Hour,” which delves into the story of serial killer Rodney Alcala and Cheryl Bradshaw, a contestant on the popular matchmaking TV show, “The Dating Game.” The movie made its debut at the Toronto International Film Festival (TIFF) in September and is set to be available on Netflix soon.
Directed by Oscar nominee Anna Kendrick, who also plays the lead role in the film, “Woman of the Hour” was penned by Ian MacDonald, the writer behind “Some Freaks.” Originally selected for the 2017 Black List, the movie was initially intended for Netflix. After premiering at TIFF in September 2023, Netflix acquired the streaming rights for select regions, including the United States, France, Italy, Benelux, Japan, South Korea, Switzerland, Hong Kong, Indonesia, and other international territories.
The plot of “Woman of the Hour” revolves around Cheryl Bradshaw’s real-life experience in the 1970s as a bachelorette on “The Dating Game,” where she encountered Rodney Alcala, who turned out to be a psychopathic serial killer in the midst of a murder spree. Infamously known as “The Dating Game Killer,” Alcala’s arrest in 1979 revealed his involvement in multiple murders, with the exact number of victims still undetermined.
The cast for “Woman of the Hour” includes Anna Kendrick as Cheryl Bradshaw and Daniel Zovatto as Rodney Alcala, alongside other notable actors such as Kathryn Gallagher, Nicolette Robinson, Kelley Jakle, Autumn Best, Pete Holmes, and Tony Hale. Filming for the movie took place in Vancouver, Canada from October to December 2022, with an anticipated release date on Netflix yet to be announced.
Despite not having an official release date, “Woman of the Hour” has garnered attention at TIFF, receiving positive reviews from critics, with a 91% rating on RottenTomatoes. The film smartly integrates the societal conditioning of women and their interactions with men, making it a gripping watch for audiences.
With the anticipation building for its release on Netflix, “Woman of the Hour” is expected to captivate audiences with its compelling storytelling and strong performances from the cast.