Woman of the Hour

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.

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.

🔪 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.

🎭 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.

🕵️‍♀️ 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.