This true crime horror story explores violence, sexism, and the gaze in a really deft and respectful manner that makes it hard to watch and deeply compelling. 

The film is based on the true story of serial killer Rodney Alcala, who appeared on the TV show the Dating Game in 1978. He was contestant number one on national television while he was in the middle of his murder spree which spanned the country. 

The movie is told primarily from the eyes of his victims and potential victims. The main focus being on Sheryl Bradshaw, played by Anna Kendrick, the struggling actress who appears on the Dating Game and picks Alcala as the winning bachelor. 

Sheryl is a talented but struggling actress who is objectified by casting directors, coerced into sex with her “nice guy” friend who lives down the hall and expects sex in return for not being an overt creep, and demeaned by the staff of the Dating Game. Sheryl is treated horribly by the men around her. Which is why she is drawn to Alcala on the show. He presents as very thoughtful and respectful toward Sheryl and women in general. 

The suspense comes from what we know that Sheryl doesn’t. We have seen Alcala put on this respectful persona before, and we know how it turns out. 

There are several scenes from Alcala’s various murders. Each time we are introduced to the women and men first. We develop them as people, and we get to know who they are. The victims take center stage which is a wonderful twist. Most true crime stories center the killers as though they are the heroes. They are framed as the protagonists in these stories and their murder sprees are used for scintillation and exploitation. In this movie the victims have faces and voices and identities. 

We are able to empathize and experience their lives. We are able to see how this man was able to worm his way into their lives. He looks and sounds like a decent guy. He gives off no red flags and displays no warning signs. It’s a really smart and compelling way to tell this story. If we must watch true crime serial killer stories, let’s center the victims not the murderers. 

This reframing goes a long way to explore the films main themes of how sexism and violence are enacted in the world. It also plays with the idea of gaze. Whose eyes are we seeing through? Whose story is being told? How do we look at women in this genre and in daily life? The film raises a lot of great questions and provides very interesting conclusions. 

On top of that it is also a first rate thriller and genuinely scary. The fear comes from the dramatic irony. We know Alcala is a serial killer, but the woman who just invited him in to help her move doesn’t know that. Our tension rises every second that she’s alone with this monster. These scenes are deftly handled by the first director Anna Kendrick. She really nails the direction on this movie. The period details are perfect. The tone and tension are perfectly handled. She should definitely direct again. 

The scene between Sheryl and Alcala in a restaurant after the show is a brilliant display of slowly rising tension. Its great film work on display. The long walk from the restaurant to her car knowing this guy is out there in the shadows of the parking lot is brilliant. It’s terrifying and horrible. Kendrick shows a real talent for direction.

The film is really good, and I definitely recommend it. It’s been buried by the Netflix algorithm, but if you’re looking for a first rate crime thriller with an actual perspective on its subject, check this one out. 

It is my cup of tea. A