Netflix’s upcoming thriller *A Woman at Stake*, debuting on October 18, 2024, delves into the chilling true story of serial killer Rodney Alcala, known for his appearance on the dating show *The Dating Game*. Directed by Anna Kendrick, who also stars, the film portrays Alcala’s unsettling encounter with contestant Cheryl Bradshaw. It underscores the failings of the justice system that allowed his crimes to persist, while exploring the psychological ramifications for victims and society.
Netflix has launched a gripping new film, A Woman at Stake, which premiered on October 18, 2024. This intense thriller draws inspiration from the true story of Rodney Alcala, a notorious serial killer known for his appearance on the American dating show The Dating Game. Directed by Anna Kendrick, who also stars in the film, the narrative centers around a harrowing interaction involving an actress and this dangerous criminal, as noted by Télé-Loisirs.
Rodney Alcala was born in 1943 in Mexico but later moved to Los Angeles. He served in the military but was discharged in 1964 due to sexual assault charges. After spending 34 months in prison for the violent rape of an eight-year-old girl, he resumed his predatory behavior. In 1978, he managed to deceive authorities and appeared on The Dating Game.
A devious killer disguised as a photographer
Portraying himself as a successful photographer, Rodney Alcala managed to woo contestant Cheryl Bradshaw. However, Bradshaw felt an unsettling vibe and chose to cut ties with him following the show. This unnerving scenario serves as a pivotal moment in A Woman at Stake, showcasing the unsettling reality where a serial killer captivates an audience while being a fugitive sought for murder.
While the film depicts several true events, some details have been modified. The character Amy, played by Autumn Best, is inspired by Monique Hoyt, who, at 15, survived an attempted kidnapping and sexual assault by Alcala in 1979. Like the film’s portrayal, she managed to escape during a gas station stop and contacted the police. The situation took a darker turn, as Rodney Alcala was bailed out by his mother just after being arrested. He wasn’t apprehended again until July 1979, when he was finally convicted of multiple murders.
Dynamic, oppressive direction
The film delves into an intriguing detail regarding Rodney Alcala’s past: his connection to Roman Polanski. Alcala attended New York University under an alias and reportedly took a film course with Polanski. Directed with finesse, A Woman at Stake envelops viewers in a suffocating atmosphere. Anna Kendrick’s direction highlights the troubled psyche of a killer who evaded capture for years. Daniel Zovatto’s portrayal of Alcala adds an unsettling intensity to the character.
The narrative emphasizes the systemic failures that allowed Alcala to continue his horrific acts over the years. It also reflects on the psychological toll these events exerted on victims and society at large. Rodney Alcala was sentenced to death for the murder of seven women, although experts estimate his actual victim count to be between 50 and 130. He remained on death row until his passing in 2021 at the age of 77.