Entertainment

The new Netflix thriller that everyone wants to see

From a ‘perfect match’ to a nightmare

By Maartje Beks | #!31Tue, 22 Oct 2024 10:00:10 +0200+02:001031#31Tue, 22 Oct 2024 10:00:10 +0200+02:00-10Europe/Amsterdam3131Europe/Amsterdam202431 22am31am-31Tue, 22 Oct 2024 10:00:10 +0200+02:0010Europe/Amsterdam3131Europe/Amsterdam2024312024Tue, 22 Oct 2024 10:00:10 +020000100010amTuesday=9#!31Tue, 22 Oct 2024 10:00:10 +0200+02:00Europe/Amsterdam10#10-22-2024#!31Tue, 22 Oct 2024 10:00:10 +0200+02:001031#/31Tue, 22 Oct 2024 10:00:10 +0200+02:00-10Europe/Amsterdam3131Europe/Amsterdam202431#!31Tue, 22 Oct 2024 10:00:10 +0200+02:00Europe/Amsterdam10#

When you participate in a dating show, you naturally hope for a nice match. But yes, anyone can sign up for such a program. Really, anyone. In the latest Netflix thriller ‘Woman of the Hour’, aspiring actress Cheryl Bradshaw participates in ‘The Dating Game’, but one of her potential partners turns out to be a serial killer. What’s even worse: the film is based on a true story.

A man with two faces

Cheryl (Anna Kendrick) has been working on her acting career for a while, but it’s not really taking off. After yet another rejection, her manager manages to score her a ‘role’ in a dating program. Not exactly what she was looking for, but at least it provides visibility on television. She gets to ask three potential matches questions without being able to see them. One of these bachelors is amateur photographer Rodney Alcala (Daniel Zovatto). As Cheryl becomes more and more charmed by him, you as the viewer get to know him in a very different way. Rodney turns out to be a serial killer, something Cheryl obviously doesn’t know.

A true story

What makes this film extra creepy is the fact that a large part of the story is indeed true. Rodney Alcala was a serial killer who committed at least eight murders between 1971 and 1979. That’s what he was convicted for, but his total number of victims is estimated to be over a hundred. In 1978, Rodney also actually participated in a dating show, which later earned him the title of the Dating Game Killer. The film largely follows reality, but there are also fictional elements added and a number of names changed.

Directorial debut

Besides Anna Kendrick playing one of the lead roles, she makes her directorial debut with this film. And what a debut it is. As we know her, Anna brings the humor that prevents the film from becoming too heavy, although she is just as good in the darker scenes. A big bow to Daniel Zovatto, because how he portrays Rodney is exactly how I would imagine a serial killer. Just incredibly creepy and manipulative. If you love true crime and good thrillers, you’re going to be very happy with this. ‘Woman of the Hour’ is now available on Netflix.

Image: Netflix