Despite the lamentation the big-league filmmakers and stars keep having with Netflix’s no-theatre policy, it goes without saying that the OTT streamer has given the platform to some of the most unforgettable releases. Though its formats do a little dance to meet the demands, the streaming giant has mostly nailed with creativity. One of its most imaginative moves has been turning real-life tales into visual therapy that often pushes fans to figure out if any gritty release is based on a true story like the 2023 flick, Woman of the Hour.

Here is a lowdown about the Woman of the Hour on Netflix for those who do not know.

Woman of the Hour is a 2023 American crime thriller directed by Anna Kendrick in her directional debut and written by Ian McDonald. Turns out, the film follows the life of serial killer Rodney Alcala, who appeared on the television show The Dating Game in 1978 while he was simultaneously on a killing spree. Alcala allegedly murdered at least five women during his appearance on the show, which later earned him the nickname, “The Dating Game Killer.”

The film premiered at the Toronto International Film Festival on September 8, last year, and was released recently to the streamer by Netflix on October 18, 2024. Woman of the Hour revolves mostly around the premises and events of the game show, starring Kendrick as contestant Cheryl Bradshaw. Other stars in the flick include Daniel Zovatto as Rodney Alcala, Nicolette Robinson, Tony Hale, Pete Holmes, and Kathryn Gallagher, among others. 

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While the film has earned rave reviews online, it had a rocky production phase with Netflix. 

In May 2021, Netflix declared it had purchased a package around Ian McDonald’s script with Chloe Okuno on board as the director and Anna Kendrick attached to star in Woman of the Hour. However, the film was sold at the Cannes Film Festival in April 2022, with Netflix no longer attached. But the streaming giant reacquired distribution rights shortly after and this year, it finally hit the streamer. 

Though the rollout may have been bumpy, this film has clawed its way onto review aggregator sites with a hauntingly positive reception. With Halloween lurking just around the corner, if spooky is not quite the subscriber’s cup of witch’s brew, this could be the perfect way to warm their toes beneath the quilt. But for those seeking a chilling marathon, here is a guide to all the spine-tingling visuals on Netflix to watch out for. 

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Did you know that Woman of the Hour on Netflix based on a real serial killer? Let us know in the comments below!