Woman of the Photographs 2023

In 1977 Wyoming, a chilling narrative unfolds as the serial killer Rodney Alcala captures the essence of a woman amidst the serene plains through his camera lens. However, what begins as a seemingly innocent encounter quickly becomes a horrific ordeal. After coaxing the woman to share her heartache from a painful breakup with her ex-boyfriend, Rodney strangles her in a vicious act. Miraculously, he brings her back to life, only to ruthlessly take her life again.

Fast forward to 1979 San Gabriel, where Amy, a young runaway navigating the treacherous streets, encounters Rodney while sitting idly at a motel. With a predatory charm, he suggests that he can help her launch a modeling career by photographing her. Enticed by the prospect, Amy accompanies him to a secluded desert location. As the sun begins to set, casting an eerie glow, Rodney snaps pictures before revealing his sinister intentions—he ambushes her in a brutal twist of fate.

The narrative takes us to 1971 New York City, where Charlie, a flight attendant embarking on a new chapter by moving into an apartment, unwittingly becomes a victim of Rodney’s malevolence. When she sees him across the street taking photos, she naively asks for his assistance in moving her furniture. After helping her, Rodney’s true nature reveals itself in a horrifying manner, resulting in Charlie’s tragic demise.

In 1978 Los Angeles, the story shifts to Sheryl Bradshaw, an aspiring actress relentlessly pursuing auditions. Encouraged by her agent, Helen, Sheryl reluctantly agrees to participate in the TV show The Dating Game, believing it could pave the way for her big break. Hesitant about the show’s premise, her friend Terry persuades her to seize the opportunity to meet potential suitors. As the live broadcast commences, the three bachelors are introduced, with Bachelor #3 being none other than Rodney.

In a tense moment, Laura, an audience member, recognizes Rodney as the man associated with her friend Alison, who was found murdered on a beach. Filled with concern, she confides in her boyfriend Ken, who dismisses her fears. Despite her unease, Laura seeks help from the show’s security, only to be misdirected—a crucial blunder that only intensifies the mounting tension.

During the episode, Sheryl decides to step away from the scripted questions, believing they diminish her worth. At this moment, Rodney impresses her more than the other contestants, ultimately winning a romantic “date” to Carmel with Sheryl. Following the show, their evening takes a dark turn as he attempts to charm her with his knowledge of theater, yet his demeanor shifts alarmingly when she teases him.

When Sheryl tries to return to her car, Rodney insistently walks with her, seeking her number, but soon realizes it’s a ruse. In a nightmarish encounter, he whispers threateningly, prompting her to rush to her vehicle, barely escaping his violent intentions thanks to other people leaving the studio. Despite Laura’s efforts to alert the police the next day, her claims go unheeded due to a lack of identification.

The tension escalates once again in 1979, as Amy finds herself bound and bloodied, awakening in a desert beside Rodney, who appears to be crying. Cleverly, she feigns embarrassment to earn his trust, persuading him to untie her and return to his home. But when they stop at a gas station, she seizes the moment to flee, drawing the attention of law enforcement who arrest Rodney.

The film’s chilling conclusion reveals the grim fate of Rodney Alcala. Despite a multitude of testimonies, he was released on bail while awaiting trial, after which he committed further atrocities. Eventually, he was re-arrested in 1979, and in 2010, a crucial testimony from Amy, now an adult, played a pivotal role in securing his conviction. It’s revealed that the harrowing true count of Rodney’s victims may reach a staggering 130. After her harrowing appearance on The Dating Game, Sheryl chose to step away from the public eye, seeking solace in a private life and raising a family. Ultimately, Rodney met his end in prison, a grim reminder of the pervasive darkness that lurked behind his facade.