What Is Woman of the Hour About?
The premise of Woman of the Hour in 291 words, with nothing given away. The full story and the ending follow below.
In the sun‑bleached sprawl of 1970s Los Angeles, the glitter of television offers a thin veneer over a city humming with ambition, restless energy, and a hint of menace. The era’s pop culture thrives on larger‑than‑life personalities, and a popular dating show becomes a stage where hopes and hidden motives collide, reflecting a world where every smile could conceal a darker undercurrent.
Cheryl Bradshaw arrives on this stage as a hopeful actress, determined to turn auditions into a breakthrough. Her agent, Helen, coaxed her into the televised contest, promising exposure that could launch a career. Yet Cheryl wrestles with the cheapness of reality‑TV fame, feeling both the pull of opportunity and a lingering disdain for the format’s superficiality. As she prepares to step in front of the cameras, she balances the yearning for artistic respect with the practical need to keep her dreams afloat.
Among the three masked bachelors awaiting her questions, Rodney makes his entrance—a charismatic figure whose polished demeanor masks something far more unsettling. His presence on the set feels both magnetic and out of place, hinting at a disquiet that disrupts the glossy veneer of the show. As Cheryl’s unconventional, probing questions break the scripted banality, an uneasy chemistry begins to surface, suggesting that the evening may hold more than just playful flirtation.
The film swirls with a tone that blends the glossy allure of 1970s television with an undercurrent of suspense, inviting viewers to wonder how far ambition will carry someone before the line between performance and peril blurs. In this world of staged romance and hidden intentions, Cheryl must navigate a path where love, fame, and danger intersect, leaving the audience poised on the edge of curiosity about what lies just beyond the bright studio lights.
What Happens in Woman of the Hour?
The complete story of Woman of the Hour, from the first scene to the last, in 662 words (about 3 minutes). Spoilers throughout.
Spoilers ahead
In 1977 Wyoming, serial killer Rodney Alcala takes photos of a woman in the plains. After he gets the woman to open up about her painful breakup with an ex-boyfriend, he strangles her. He revives her, then strangles her to death. In 1979 San Gabriel, Amy is a young runaway who lives on the streets and steals occasionally. Rodney spots her sitting at a motel and claims that he can take photos of her and she can launch a career as a model. She agrees to accompany him as he drives to an isolated location. In a desert during sunset, Rodney proceeds to photograph Amy, then ambushes her. In 1971 New York City, Charlie is a flight attendant who is moving into a new apartment. She sees Rodney taking photos across the street and asks him to help her move furniture into her home. After helping her, Rodney assaults Charlie.
In 1978 Los Angeles, Cheryl Bradshaw is an aspiring actress going on auditions. Her agent Helen coaxes her to appear as a contestant on the TV show The Dating Game, telling her it might lead to her big break. Cheryl thinks going on the show is beneath her, but her friend Terry reasons it is a good opportunity for the workaholic Cheryl to meet potential suitors. She shows up at the studio to film the episode and is prepped to go on camera. The show goes live and the three bachelors, who are hidden from Cheryl’s view behind a partition, are displayed to the camera. Bachelor #3 is revealed to be Rodney.
Laura, a member of the audience, recognizes Rodney as the guy who was last seen with her friend Alison, who was found murdered at the beach. Uncomfortable, she goes to her car and tells her boyfriend Ken her suspicions about Bachelor #3, but he dismisses her concerns, reassuring her she could be mistaken and that the contestants are likely vetted by producers. She goes to the security guard on the show and asks if she can speak to a producer, but he falsely directs her to the janitor instead.
As the show goes on, Cheryl decides to go off-script because she feels the written questions she is supposed to ask the bachelors are sexist and insulting. She asks tougher questions, dropping names like Einstein and Kant and asking for the difference between a boy and a man. Rodney is able to make a good impression after the first two bumbling bachelors, and he ends up winning the “date”, with the prize being tickets to visit Carmel with Cheryl.
After the filming, Rodney takes Cheryl out for drinks. He tries to ingratiate himself to her by showing familiarity with plays she talks about, but he also makes her uneasy by requesting more drinks. When Cheryl walks back to her car at the studio, Rodney insists on walking with her. He asks for her number but realizes it is a fake. When he says something about bashing her head in, she anxiously races to get inside her car and is nearly accosted by Rodney when some people appear exiting the studio, and she manages to get away.
Back in 1979 San Gabriel, Amy wakes up in the desert next to Rodney, but she is now tied up. Rodney is crying, and Amy plays along with the situation to get him to trust her, convincing him to remove her restraints and go back to his place. When they stop at a gas station, she runs away. Cops appear and arrest Rodney.
A postscript says that after Rodney’s arrest, he was released on bail while awaiting trial, after which he murdered a woman and a young girl. He was rearrested in 1979. In 2010, he had a chance at acquittal, but the runaway, now an adult, testified against him in court. Some time after her Dating Game appearance, Cheryl left California to live a private life and raise a family. Rodney died in incarceration.
Woman of the Hour Timeline: Every Key Event in Order
15 key events in the order they happen, from “Rodney Alcala's First Victim” to “Rodney's Death in Custody”. 13 events name a place, across 8 locations.
- 1
Rodney Alcala's First Victim
In 1977, in the plains of Wyoming, serial killer Rodney Alcala encounters a woman and captures her image through photography. After coaxing her to share her emotional struggles stemming from a previous breakup, he brutally strangles her, only to revive her momentarily before taking her life for good.
When:1977 Where:Wyoming
- 2
Amy's Chance Encounter
In 1979, teenage runaway Amy finds herself in a vulnerable position when she meets Rodney in a motel. He offers her a chance to become a model and convinces her to go with him to an isolated area under the pretense of taking photographs.
When:1979 Where:San Gabriel
- 3
The Desert Ambush
During a beautiful sunset in the desert, Rodney photographs Amy before revealing his true intentions. He ambushes her, leading her into a trap that marks another terrifying escalation in his criminal behavior.
When:1979 Where:Desert
- 4
Charlie's Unfortunate Move
In 1971, flight attendant Charlie is busy settling into her new New York City apartment. During her move, she unwittingly engages with Rodney, who is taking photos across the street, only to later become a victim of his predatory behavior.
When:1971 Where:New York City
- 5
Cheryl's Aspiration
In 1978, aspiring actress Cheryl Bradshaw is encouraged by her agent to appear on the TV show The Dating Game. Despite her initial reluctance, she is convinced by her friend to seize the opportunity to find love and boost her career.
When:1978 Where:Los Angeles
- 6
The Dating Game Showdown
During the live taping of The Dating Game, Cheryl meets Bachelor #3, who is later revealed to be Rodney. As she engages with the contestants, she makes a bold move off-script, asking more intellectual questions that highlight her wit and determination.
When:1978 Where:Television Studio
- 7
Laura's Suspicion
Within the audience, Laura recognizes Rodney as someone associated with her friend Alison, who had been found murdered. Her attempts to express her concerns to others are dismissed, leading her to feel increasingly uneasy and isolated.
When:1978 Where:Los Angeles
- 8
Cheryl's Date with Danger
Post-show, Rodney takes Cheryl out for drinks, where he attempts to charm her with his knowledge of theatre. However, as the night progresses, his behavior becomes increasingly questionable, causing Cheryl to feel both intrigued and terrified.
When:1978 Where:Los Angeles
- 9
A Narrow Escape
As the night wraps up, Rodney's request for Cheryl's contact information reveals a dark turn when she provides him with a fake number. When he threatens her, Cheryl manages a narrow escape as onlookers come to her aid, showcasing her instinct for survival.
When:1978 Where:Television Studio
- 10
Amy's Desperate Play
After waking up tied and restrained in the desert, Amy feigns empathy towards Rodney to lower his guard. Successfully convincing him to untie her, she seizes a moment of opportunity to escape while at a gas station, seeking safety from her captor.
When:1979 Where:Desert
Show the other 5 events of Woman of the Hour Hide the last 5 events
- 11
Rodney's Arrest
Following Amy's escape, authorities catch Rodney and arrest him, a pivotal moment in the attempt to bring justice for his victims. The incident highlights the bravery of survivors and the consequences of predatory behavior.
When:1979 Where:San Gabriel
- 12
Releasing the Killer
Despite his arrest, Rodney is released on bail while awaiting trial, demonstrating failures within the justice system. This release leads to more tragic outcomes, including the murders of a woman and a young girl, showcasing the ongoing threat he posed.
When:Post-1979
- 13
Cheryl's New Life
After her traumatic encounters with Rodney, Cheryl decides to leave California altogether. She embraces a quiet life, focusing on family and personal privacy, marking a significant turning point away from her past.
When:Post-1978 Where:California
- 14
Testifying Against Darkness
In 2010, Amy returns to testify against Rodney in court, now as an adult confronting her past. Her courage plays a crucial role in the legal battle against him, pushing towards accountability and justice.
When:2010
- 15
Rodney's Death in Custody
Eventually, Rodney Alcala dies while incarcerated, marking the end of a life steeped in violence and crime. His death closes a tragic chapter for the families of his victims and those who fought for justice against him.
When:Post-2010 Where:Incarceration Facility
Who Are the Main Characters in Woman of the Hour?
4 characters, among them Sheryl (Anna Kendrick), Amy (Nicolette Robinson) and Rodney Alcala (Daniel Zovatto): who each one is and the part they play in the story. Every profile links to the actor’s page.
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Sheryl (Anna Kendrick)
Played by Anna Kendrick
Sheryl is an aspiring actress caught between her ambitions and the unexpected dangers of fame. Her character reflects the struggles of women trying to navigate a male-dominated entertainment industry in the 1970s. With a blend of determination and vulnerability, she showcases the constant threat of violence lurking beneath the surface of her aspirations.
- 🎭 Aspiration
- 🔍 Danger
- A(
Amy (Nicolette Robinson)
Played by Nicolette Robinson
Amy is portrayed as a young runaway who struggles with her circumstances while displaying resourcefulness and resilience. Her journey emphasizes the harsh realities faced by vulnerable individuals in society. Despite her fears, she shows remarkable strength in devising a plan for survival when confronting danger.
- 🏃♀️ Survival
- 💪 Resilience
- RA
Rodney Alcala (Daniel Zovatto)
Played by Daniel Zovatto
Rodney Alcala embodies the chilling persona of a predator. His character is marked by charm and manipulation, making him a dangerous figure lurking in plain sight. The duality of his existence, as both a charismatic individual and a violent killer, serves as a central point of horror in the narrative.
- 😈 Predator
- ⚔️ Manipulation
- C(
Charlie (Kathryn Gallagher)
Played by Kathryn Gallagher
Charlie is a flight attendant who represents the modern woman of the 1970s, trying to establish her independence. Her character illustrates the conflict between personal ambition and the dangers that accompany it. She becomes an unwitting target for Rodney, highlighting the vulnerability many women faced during that era.
- 🛫 Independence
- 🌆 Urban
Where and When Is Woman of the Hour Set?
Woman of the Hour is set in Wyoming, San Gabriel, New York City and Los Angeles (1970s). Here is why the time and place matter to the story.
When
1970s
Set against the backdrop of the 1970s, this era is marked by significant social and cultural shifts in the United States. It was a time when personal freedoms were being asserted alongside the growing awareness of social issues, including crime and safety. The 1970s also saw the rise of television as a dominant form of entertainment, which plays a critical role in the film through the character's participation in a popular dating show.
Where
Wyoming, San Gabriel, New York City, Los Angeles
The film takes place in diverse locations, each contributing to the narrative's tension. Wyoming features vast plains, a stark geographical backdrop for the horrors unfolding. San Gabriel, with its motel scenes, illustrates the struggles of a runaway, while New York City serves as a bustling urban environment where chance encounters have dire consequences. Lastly, Los Angeles shines as a hub of entertainment, representing aspirations and the darker side of fame.
- 🏞️ Nature
- 🌆 City
- 🎭 Entertainment
What Are the Themes of Woman of the Hour?
3 ideas the story keeps returning to, among them Violence, Identity and Trust.
-
01
Violence
The theme of violence permeates the film, depicted through the chilling actions of Rodney Alcala as a serial killer. It showcases the unsettling reality of trust being betrayed, amplifying the fear surrounding innocuous encounters. The film intricately portrays the juxtaposition of life's mundane moments with the lurking threat of brutal violence.
-
02
Identity
Identity plays a key role as characters navigate their aspirations and realities. Cheryl's ambition to be an actress contrasts sharply with her experiences of danger and objectification. This theme extends to the women in the film, who grapple with their identities, desires, and the societal pressures placed upon them during a transformative era.
-
03
Trust
Trust is a fragile and central theme highlighted through the relationships formed between characters. The film explores how easily trust can be manipulated and betrayed, especially in the context of predatory behaviors. Characters like Cheryl and Amy initially extend trust, only to face the grim realities of their choices.
How Does Woman of the Hour End?
The last act of Woman of the Hour and what it means, in 269 words. The ending lands as bittersweet. Big spoilers: read the plot summary first if you have not seen it.
The final act, in full
In the end, Woman of the Hour highlights the tragic story of Rodney Alcala, a real-life serial killer who used his charm and photography skills to lure victims, often targeting women who were lonely or vulnerable. The film shows how he manipulated and deceived his victims, taking photographs of them before killing them in a disturbing ritual that he saw as an art form. Sheryl Bradshaw, played by Anna Kendrick, refuses to be reduced to a mere object on the dating show and questions the male-dominated narratives that demean women. When she detects Rodney’s sinister nature, she wisely chooses not to pursue anything romantic with him, sensing his dangerous obsession. Her rejection and assertiveness prompt Rodney to stalk her, culminating in a threatening confrontation where she quickly escapes when police and bystanders intervene.
The film underscores how authorities failed to act on earlier warnings about Rodney’s crimes due to their bias and disbelief, which allowed him to continue his spree for years. It is only when Amy, a survivor based on a real victim, manages to outsmart and escape Rodney that he is finally apprehended by the police. Her quick thinking and courage lead to his arrest, bringing justice after years of neglect by the system. The story concludes with a haunting reminder of the importance of listening to victims and taking their warnings seriously, as the true story of Rodney Alcala reveals the devastating consequences of neglect and misogyny. Ultimately, Woman of the Hour is a chilling reminder of the darkness lurking behind charm and appearances, and the vital need to believe women and protect those at risk.
What Kind of Film Is Woman of the Hour?
Tense in tone, with variable pacing and a moderate story, going by the plot summary.
- Tone
- Tense
- Pacing
- Variable
- Story
- Moderate
- Intensity
- High
- Ending
- Bittersweet
A chilling and intensely suspenseful thriller that follows the parallel stories of a serial killer and his potential victims, creating a constant sense of danger and psychological unease set against the backdrop of 1970s Los Angeles.
- suspenseful
- anxious
- chilling
- oppressive
- ominous
- gritty
- serial killer
- true crime
- survival
- psychological thriller
Content notes: serial murder, strangulation, sexual assault, stalking, psychological manipulation.
Quiz
How well do you remember Woman of the Hour? Test yourself on the story.
