Netflix's Woman of the Hour opening scene explained as film recreates 'terrifying' crime

Netflix film Woman of the Hour, starring Anna Kendrick, shows how serial killer Rodney Alcala became known as The Dating Game killer - but how true is the dramatic opening scene?

*Warning: Contains spoilers for Woman of the Hour*

New Netflix film Woman of the Hour delves into the chilling story of serial killer Rodney Alcala, infamously known as The Dating Game killer.

The film, now available on the streaming platform, offers true crime enthusiasts a glimpse into the heinous crimes committed by Alcala. Some of these murders occurred both before and after his bizarre appearance on a US game show.

The Dating Game was a hit series where a single woman could question potential suitors. Cheryl Bradshaw, the real-life inspiration behind Anna Kendrick's character, chose Alcala on the show, only to change her mind the following day, reports the Mirror.

Kendrick, who also directed the film, has previously discussed her struggle to maintain the integrity of the opening scene. Speaking to Digital Spy, she said: "I was frankly shocked with myself for being so firm. I think I said something along the lines of, 'If it's really important to you guys that the movie open in a nightclub and have a certain feeling, that's fine, but I don't know how to make that movie'."

An early review of the film describes the opening as 'terrifying', but how accurate is this scene to the actual events? Here's everything you need to know.

The film begins with a title that reveals the time and place, marking the only instance in the movie where the year is displayed. This could potentially confuse some viewers as the actual events spanned over several years. The title indicates the year 1977, in Wyoming, where Alcala was raised.

The scene then shifts to Daniel Zovatto, portraying Rodney, photographing a young woman who is narrating her life story to him and the audience. From this interaction, we learn that she is Christine Thornton, and much of the ensuing dialogue and events are based on true occurrences.

Christine had relocated from Texas to Mississippi with her partner at the time, but after their relationship ended, she was last seen hitchhiking in June 1977. Her remains were not discovered until 1982 along the interstate.

As the character mentions, Thornton was indeed pregnant when she died. Alcala confessed to photographing her but denied murdering her.

Much of what the film depicts happening to her is pieced together from police evidence and information about other victims of Alcala, including his method of a violent and prolonged attack, as shown when he performs mouth-to-mouth resuscitation before launching another assault.

Photographs from Alcala's collection, released by the authorities, aided in identifying Thornton. Consequently, Thornton was officially identified in 2015 when relatives provided DNA samples.

Alcala was charged with her murder in 2016, almost four decades after the incident occurred. However, at 73 years old, he was deemed too ill to travel to face the charges.

As the screen fades to black, the audio transitions into the next scene before we see it, featuring casting directors discussing actresses auditioning. Their comments not only reflect on their actions in the scene but also on what the audience has just seen. Their judgemental remarks about women, their appearance, and their lack of sympathy may hint at how Alcala views his victims throughout the film.

Woman of the Hour is available to stream now on Netflix