Woman of the Hour

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.