Most people are familiar with celebrity Anna Kendrick because of her comedic roles and vibrant persona, but she is showcasing her work through a different lens as she just released a new production, Woman of the Hour. The 2024 true-crime movie depicts the real-life story of the notorious Rodney Alcala, who not only appeared on The Dating Game in the midst of his killings but was convicted for eight first-degree murders. However, some experts actually think he is linked to as many as 130 deaths-with several more rape survivors. While this film does elicit numerous gruesome stories, it also can be used to teach young girls about safety in the modern dating world.
The film takes place in 1978, when many people have found love through the hit television show, The Dating Game. Kendrick’s character, Sheryl Bradshaw, is trying to get her big break as an actress and thinks that going on screen will help expedite the process. On the show, she is able to get to know three bachelors and eventually choose one to date, but with the disadvantage of not being able to see their faces until after she chooses. At the same time Bradshaw is appearing on The Dating Game, the film follows bachelor number three Rodney Alcala, as he kills several women through various scenarios. Through following Alcala during his killing spree and television appearance, Kendrick successfully juxtaposes society’s exterior perception of Alcala and his brutal actions. Despite noticing a few reg flags, Bradshaw chooses bachelor number three, a successful and charming photographer who has lived in New York before coming to California.
The film then follows the two characters out together, where Bradshaw is immediately wary of his unsettling aura. She then goes with her gut and provides him with a phony phone number in an attempt to escape from his grasp. Though Alcala tries to act out on his anger with violence, Bradshaw is miraculously saved when a few people go to their parking lot at the same time. The film goes on to convey the story of another survivor of Alcala, based on a real victim named Monique Hoyt. As a rebellious hitchhiker, Amy (Monique) meets Alcala and decides to ride with him to his next destination. Things take a turn for the worst when Alcala brings her to a desert, assaults her, and rapes her while she is unconscious. Yet, when she wakes up, she acts strategically calm and collected to avoid getting killed and eventually find authority and safety.
Though the movie can not portray the entirety of Alcala’s serial killings, it successfully portrays how many killers are perceived to be witty, charismatic, and attractive, before seizing the moment and afflicting harm. Alcala had a criminal record prior to his television appearance, for the rape and assault of a thirteen-year-old in 1965, and a thirteen-year-old in 1965. Alcala was then arrested in 1979 for killing a twelve-year-old girl. After several trials, Alcala had been officially convicted for killing five women in California, two women in New York, and one woman in Wyoming. His victims including the two rape survivors and Monique Hoyt-who was portrayed in the movie- had given multiple testimonies and have continuously urged for him to stay in prison until his death in 2021. These sickening statistics and details showcase the brutality of Alcala but also stand as an example of why girls and women still need to be cautious of their actions and surroundings. To continue, here is what should be emphasized to stay safe in these situations.
1). Be Safe with Online Dating
In 2024, people are not only meeting through school and mutual friends but on social media and dating apps as well. Dating apps were created to provide easy communication for meeting new people but often can lead to many safety issues. When experimenting with online dating, it is imperative to be conscientious of the risks. There can be issues with fraud, stalking, and harassment. Be sure to meet online matches in public places, where safety is ensured. If someone appears to be sketchy or is pushing boundaries, do not be afraid to block them. When creating online dating profiles, be cautious of privacy and of one’s web presence. Though the dating scene has changed since Alcala’s murders, the exposure to danger and susceptibility to being taken advantage of has not.
Rafaella Rodriguez (‘26) watched the movie trailer and connected it to her own experiences, “One tip I would give regarding online dating is to always tell your friends who, when, and where you’re going when you’re meeting up with someone new. This way they can track your location and you can have an escape plan if things go wrong on the date.”
2). Be Aware of Surroundings
A common experience most women share throughout their lifetime includes being scared to walk alone at night the fear of being abducted swarms the minds of many. Even though women should not have the burden of worrying about their safety at all times of the day, following safety precautions and understanding strategies are still crucial to discuss. Some of these include following a buddy system: walking to bathrooms in public with a friend, never letting other people go home alone, and looking out for other women. Do not accept a drink from strangers, or even people that have an off vibe. Keeping drinks protected is more important than ever, and it is also notable to mention that if a drink is left unattended, it is always better to throw it away than the risk of being drugged. Lastly, during situations where there is no one else to get home with, be sure to move with purpose, have a phone nearby, and be mindful of what is going on at the moment. Even in 2024, there are still measures that need to be taken to ensure girls are safe from abduction and predators in so many situations.
Abby Doyle (‘26) adds her own insight, “I always stay in a group of friends when I’m out at dinner at night or going to my car. My parents always told me that predators are more likely to abduct you when you’re by yourself, so that is why I prioritize staying with my friends.”
3). Do Not be Polite
When in doubt, get them out! When growing up, children are often told to be polite to friends, family, and strangers in general. However, when it comes to safety and being suspicious of someone’s motives, it is essential to trust your instincts and say no to someone if they give off peculiar feelings and are pushing boundaries. It is better to hurt someone’s feelings and look like the “bad guy” than the possibility of being taken advantage of. It is okay to say no to someone when asking for social media, a phone number, or a date. The person pushing boundaries is not entitled to have any of your information or have a relationship, and being safe trumps all dating etiquette. Bradshaw is a great example of trusting her instinct and not giving Alcala her number. Always take gut feelings seriously, and if they seem off, do not continue to have contact with them.
Camille King (‘27) also emphasizes saying no to strangers when feeling uncomfortable, “I was at the store once picking up a card for my friend’s birthday and a stranger approached me asking for my number. I immediately told him no and thought it was weird, so I stayed near the employees of the store, so I could have an adult near me until I returned to my car.”
4).Report Information
Lastly, it is critical to report to parents, teachers, and authorities if you or someone you know has experienced some sort of abuse, harassment, or abduction. Reporting information can ensure that the person affected can be safe in the future, hold the predator accountable for their incredible wrongdoings, and prevent other victims from getting hurt in similar ways. Though society has often deemed issues of abuse and harassment taboo in the past, safety is more important than any stigmas, and reporting information can also give other victims the courage to come forward and voice their experiences.
Despite the tragedies that come from Woman of the Hour, this movie can bring many positives to the lives of young girls. The movie not only shines light upon the lives of victims that Alcala tainted, but it gives younger viewers the opportunity to understand the prevalent risks that remain in society and take safer steps in ensuring their well-being. Even in 2024, girls must be sure that they are being mindful of the decisions they make regarding dating, transportation, and trusting their gut. Though it might be an inconvenience to take these extra steps, it could save someone’s life, and it’s also better to be safe than sorry.
