'Woman of the Hour' writer explains the importance of empathy in true crime storytelling

Ian McDonald, the screenwriter behind Netflix's Woman of the Hour, highlights the importance of approaching true crime with empathy and respect for victims.

During a Q&A session after a special screening, McDonald discussed his commitment to portraying Rodney Alcala’s crimes in a way that honors the lives of the victims, even as the film takes creative liberties.

He explained that despite changing names and biographical details, his goal was to capture the emotional reality of the story while being sensitive to surviving families.

Woman of the Hour, directed by and starring Anna Kendrick, delves into the eerie real-life encounter between Cheryl Bradshaw and serial killer Rodney Alcala during an episode of The Dating Game.

McDonald shared how characters like Laura, portrayed by Nicolette Robinson, were inspired by real-life experiences of guilt and trauma. The film, now streaming on Netflix, aims to balance entertainment with thoughtful, empathetic storytelling.