Woman of the Hour film ending explained: How was Rodney Alcala finally arrested?

Woman of the Hour is a true crime film about Rodney Alcala, popularly known as The Dating Game Killer. The film shows how Alcala made a national appearance on the popular television show The Dating Game and met one of his potential victims there.

Disclaimer: This article contains spoilers for Woman of the Hour.

The film's end shows how Alcala was arrested for his many crimes. Amy, Alcala's s*xual assault victim, fled him and reported him to the local cops, where Alcala was finally apprehended.

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Who was Amy? How did she ensure that Rodney Alcala was arrested at the end of Woman of the Hour?

Autumn Best as Amy in a still from Woman of the Hour (via Netflix / YouTube)

In Woman of the Hour, Amy is shown to be a runaway, living on the streets and occasionally stealing a few coins from the laundromat to survive. Rodney Alcala comes across her and claims she would make an excellent subject for his photography. After initial reluctance, she accepts his offer.

Rodney drives Amy out to a "photoshoot location", calling her beautiful and stating that she might be the love of his life. Amy even browses through previous pictures Rodney clicked, seeing his former muses.

When they reach the location, Rodney and Amy climb up a hill to the perfect spot for the photoshoot. Rodney then attacks Amy while her back is turned. When she wakes up the following morning, Amy discovers bruises and injuries on her body, with her clothes in disarray and her hands and feet tied. The film adds heavy implications that he assaulted her.

Daniel Zovatto as Rodney Alcala in a still from Woman of the Hour (via Netflix / YouTube)

Amy sees Rodney crying beside her and comes to terms with her situation. He apologizes for being rough with her, and she asks him to keep this incident a secret because she worries that people will judge her. Rodney agrees to this and unties Amy, freeing her from her binds.

While returning, Amy and Rodney stop at the gas station, where he goes to use the restroom. She uses her chance to escape from the car and call the police via a telephone in a nearby diner.

From there, Amy watches as the police arrive to apprehend Rodney. She sees him being handcuffed by the authorities, and her face finally reveals her true emotions and trauma as she lets out a strangled sob before the film cuts away.

The last few frames of the film are text slides revealing how Rodney Alcala's trials, court hearings, and incarceration took place. The slides also mention that Amy testified against him twice during his trials and his appeal for parole. Her testimony became the final nail in Alcala's coffin, so to speak.

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Audiences can now watch Woman of the Hour streaming online on Netflix.