Where was Netflix's Woman of the Hour filmed? All filming locations explored

Released on October 18, 2024, Woman of the Hour is a gripping crime thriller that takes audiences on a journey through chilling real-life events. The Netflix movie revolves around the disturbing true story of Rodney Alcala, also known as The Dating Game Killer.

Following Alcala's manipulation of his victims, the film highlights the tension between his charming public persona and his horrific private actions. Anna Kendrick's portrayal of Cheryl Bradshaw is a powerful look at a woman who unknowingly became entangled with a serial killer.

The filming locations have been important in recreating the world of the late 1970s, both inside and outside the studio. Metro Vancouver’s versatile film industry and Los Angeles' sunny streets were ideal for the contrasting indoor game show scenes and outdoor sequences.

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Where was Netflix's Woman of the Hour shot?

Metro Vancouver, British Columbia

The movie Woman of the Hour was mostly shot in Metro Vancouver, often called the "Hollywood of the North."

Filmmakers love coming to this city because it has a strong film industry and offers tax breaks. In Vancouver, the production team built a whole set for the dating game show, complete with bright, retro props that fit the time period.

Metro Vancouver's sound stages gave the filmmakers a controlled setting, which made the movie feel like a real-life dating game show. When these indoor sets and costumes were put together, they took the audience back in time.

The crew also used different urban areas in Vancouver that were designed to look like other cities. Because Vancouver is a good place for movies, it has attracted other big shows, like Hulu's Under the Bridge and Bad Times at the El Royale too

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Los Angeles, California

Another important place for Woman of the Hour was Los Angeles, which brought the outdoor scenes to life. The city's famously sunny weather, palm trees and old cars helped set the mood for many of the most dramatic parts of the movie.

The filmmakers chose certain outdoor spots to show what Los Angeles was like in the 1970s, with its wide streets and quiet highways. These scenes were necessary to build tension and show how beautiful the scenery was in contrast to the movie's dark themes.

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Plot of the movie

Woman of the Hour tells the chilling true story of Rodney Alcala, a serial killer who appeared on The Dating Game during his killing spree in the 1970s. The movie begins in Wyoming, where Alcala takes photos of a woman, manipulates her into discussing a breakup and then murders her.

In 1979 San Gabriel, he lures a young runaway named Amy with promises of a modeling career. After photographing her in the desert, he attacks her, but Amy escapes and later helps in his capture.

In 1971, in New York, Alcala kills another victim, Charlie, after helping her move into her apartment. Meanwhile, in 1978 Los Angeles, aspiring actress Cheryl Bradshaw is coerced by her agent to appear on The Dating Game.

Cheryl reluctantly participates, unknowingly selecting Alcala, "Bachelor #3", for the winning date. After the show, Cheryl feels uneasy around Alcala, narrowly avoiding an attack in a parking lot.

An audience member, Laura, recognizes Alcala, but her warnings are dismissed. Eventually, Amy escapes from Alcala’s hold, and he's arrested. Although initially released on bail, Alcala continues killing until his final arrest. He's convicted years later, and the film concludes with his death in prison and Cheryl’s decision to live a quiet life.

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Cast and Crew

Anna Kendrick leads the cast of Woman of the Hour as Cheryl Bradshaw, the naive contestant on The Dating Game.

Daniel Zovatto portrays Rodney Alcala, who's a charismatic yet dangerous killer. The supporting cast includes Nicolette Robinson as Laura, Tony Hale as Ed Burke and Pete Holmes as Terry. The film showcases strong performances that bring the unsettling story to life.

Anna Kendrick debuted as a director in this movie, while Ian McDonald wrote the script. Their collaboration has created a chilling narrative that explores the dark side of human nature while also presenting the charm and allure of the entertainment industry.

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Woman of the Hour is available to stream on Netflix.