Cheryl Bradshaw, a contestant on the iconic US series The Dating Game, found herself matched with Rodney Alcala, a man later identified as a notorious serial killer responsible for the murders of at least eight women.
This chilling story has been transformed into a riveting feature film by Anna Kendrick, who not only stars as Bradshaw but also marks her impressive directorial debut with this project.
Having premiered to critical acclaim at the Toronto International Film Festival in September 2023, the film has quickly emerged as a substantial hit since its release on Netflix earlier this month, captivating viewers with its gripping narrative.
Woman of the Hour true story: How accurate is Anna Kendrick’s film?
While the film remains anchored in its foundational true events, creative liberties have been exercised in the portrayal of certain aspects, generating a mix of authenticity and dramatization.
For instance, the film depicts a scene where Cheryl and Rodney enjoy a drink following their match on the show; however, in reality, Cheryl declined his invitation, feeling uncomfortable with him and perceiving him as creepy.
Moreover, the film includes a fictional character named Laura, portrayed by Nicolette Robinson, who attempts to notify The Dating Game’s producers about Alcala’s violent past—indicating a departure from the real story.
The movie also alters the circumstances surrounding Alcala’s capture. The film concludes with on-screen text detailing that he was released on bail after being implicated in the abduction of Monique Hoyt (Amy in the film). Tragically, this led to the murder of a 21-year-old woman and a 12-year-old girl before he was eventually apprehended.
Kendrick shared insights with RadioTimes.com about the rationale behind these adjustments, emphasizing her goal to present a story that resonates emotionally while maintaining the audience’s engagement for a feature length of 90 minutes.
She elaborated: “Thus, our aim was often to avoid becoming mired in a quagmire of hyper-detailed accuracy.”
One striking element of the film is the portrayal of Bradshaw herself. Kendrick and screenwriter Ian McDonald faced the challenge of creating a more fictionalized version of Cheryl, given the limited public knowledge about her as a private individual. Additionally, they adapted the spelling of her name from Cheryl to Sheryl to underscore this distinction.
“Cheryl is one of those figures shrouded in mystery,” Kendrick noted. “Ian did a remarkable job of leveraging that obscurity to delve into the central themes of the film.”
“Given that she was an aspiring actress navigating the Hollywood scene in the 1970s, envisioning a typical week in her life opens up a wealth of opportunities to explore a range of humiliations and dangers, both minor and major.”
Kendrick also reflected on the elusive nature of The Dating Game’s historical footage, acknowledging that while snippets are available online, the full episode featuring Cheryl and Alcala has seemingly vanished into obscurity.
She continued: “While I doubt that in the missing footage Cheryl staged a rebellion and improvised her own questions, I find a certain joy in that sequence of the film because it functions almost like a fantastical moment. Yet, this fantasy doesn’t involve mythical creatures; rather, it imagines what might happen if a woman dared to assert herself.”
Despite the fictional elements, Kendrick immersed herself in comprehensive research to prepare for her role, uncovering haunting truths that became integral to the film’s narrative.
“We did extensive research regarding [Alcala]’s time at the Los Angeles Times,” she explained. “Unfortunately, those details tend to get overshadowed in the film, but the process was incredibly interesting, scouring through original records.”
“My research often involved a subscription to newspapers.com. I wish I could say I was sponsored, but the experience of delving into the source material was fascinating.”
If you’re looking for something captivating to watch tonight, be sure to check out our TV Guide and Streaming Guide or explore our Film hub for all the latest news and updates. For more from the biggest stars in television, tune in to The Radio Times Podcast.
Interview with Anna Kendrick: The Woman of the Hour Behind the Film
Interviewer: Anna, your film Woman of the Hour delves into a chilling part of television history with the story of Cheryl Bradshaw and her encounter with Rodney Alcala on The Dating Game. What inspired you to bring this story to life?
Anna Kendrick: Thanks for having me! It was this striking contrast between the innocent setting of a game show and the dark reality of what some of the people involved were capable of. Cheryl’s experience was a mixture of surreal and horrifying, and I felt it deserved to be told—both to inform viewers and to explore deeper themes of personal safety and the facade of entertainment.
Interviewer: You took creative liberties in the portrayal of certain events. Can you share why you felt that was necessary?
Anna Kendrick: Absolutely. While we wanted to stay true to the essence of Cheryl’s story, the film needed dramatic tension to resonate emotionally with viewers. For instance, I portrayed Cheryl’s discomfort with Alcala during their meeting more explicitly than it may have been documented. We also added a fictional character, Laura, to amplify the urgency and tension surrounding Alcala’s past. The goal was always to keep the story engaging while highlighting the truth behind the events.
Interviewer: How did you approach the challenge of depicting Cheryl Bradshaw’s character?
Anna Kendrick: Cheryl is still quite a mysterious figure today, and that presented its own challenge. Ian McDonald and I decided to embrace that obscurity and craft a version of Cheryl who was more relatable and multi-dimensional. We changed her name’s spelling to ‘Sheryl’ to signify a departure from the facts and help viewers engage with her as a character rather than just a real person—a creative decision that helped unfold the narrative while respecting her story.
Interviewer: The film premiered at the Toronto International Film Festival and is now a hit on Netflix. What has been the response from viewers and critics?
Anna Kendrick: The response has been overwhelmingly positive, which is both humbling and exciting. People appreciate how we tackle the complexities of a true-crime story within a dramatic framework. Getting to explore themes like vulnerability and the hidden threats in our lives has struck a chord with audiences, which was our aim.
Interviewer: Speaking of the darker elements of the story, how did you handle depicting Alcala’s crimes and his eventual capture?
Anna Kendrick: We had to balance the horror of those events with the storytelling. The film hints at the aftermath of Alcala’s actions while not delving into gratuitous detail. I believe the textual information at the end serves as a poignant reminder of the real impact of these events and raises awareness about the consequences of violence.
Interviewer: Lastly, can you tell us about your own experience directing this feature? How has it changed your approach to storytelling?
Anna Kendrick: Directing has been both challenging and incredibly rewarding! It’s made me more attuned to the nuances of storytelling and character development. I’ve come to appreciate the collaborative aspect of filmmaking even more, realizing that each person’s input is crucial in shaping the narrative. I hope to continue exploring complex stories that provoke thought and provoke conversation in the future.
Interviewer: Thank you, Anna, for sharing your insights on this compelling project. We look forward to seeing where your storytelling journey takes you next!
Anna Kendrick: Thank you! I appreciate the support and am excited for what’s to come.
Nts of the story, how did you balance the entertainment aspect while still addressing the serious themes involved?
Anna Kendrick: Striking that balance was one of our biggest challenges. We wanted to create a film that grips viewers with its narrative but also respects the gravity of the real-life events. Humor and levity have their place, but I aimed to ensure they never undermined the horror of Cheryl’s experience. It was important to me that when we showed the unsettling aspects of the story, it felt authentic and relatable, prompting viewers to reflect on the deeper implications of vulnerability, especially as women navigating the world.
Interviewer: How did you prepare for your role as Cheryl? What kind of research went into the making of the film?
Anna Kendrick: I immersed myself in research, which was both fascinating and harrowing. I scoured through original records, newspaper archives, and accounts of the time, trying to piece together Cheryl’s life and the societal context. The more I learned, the more layers I found in her character. It wasn’t just about the dating show; it was about her life as an aspiring actress in a complex world, which allowed us to portray various dimensions of her story.
Interviewer: There are some aspects in the film that differ significantly from reality, such as the fictional character Laura and the circumstances surrounding Alcala’s capture. How do you think these creative decisions impact the overall narrative?
Anna Kendrick: They help to amplify the tension and urgency of the situation without sacrificing the emotional core of the story. By incorporating a character like Laura, we aimed to illustrate the failed warnings and overlooked signs that can happen in real life. It allows the audience to connect those dots while keeping them engaged with the film’s pace and drama. These adjustments create a more cohesive narrative that still reflects the essence of what happened.
Interviewer: Lastly, what do you hope audiences take away from “Woman of the Hour”?
Anna Kendrick: I hope viewers come away with a deeper understanding of the complexities of female vulnerability and the importance of trust, intuition, and self-advocacy. While we entertained, we also wanted to spark conversations about safety and awareness in potentially hazardous situations. Ultimately, we want the story to empower viewers, to remind them of their strength and instincts in navigating the unpredictable nature of life.