Watch Dating Game Killer
- TV-14
- 2017
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5.9 (216)
Dating Game Killer is a 2017 biographical crime movie that tells the story of Rodney Alcala, one of America's most notorious serial killers who became known as the Dating Game Killer. Directed by Peter Medak, the movie stars Carrie Preston as Carol Jensen, a mother of one of Alcala's victims, Robert Knepper as Rodney Alcala, and Matt Barr as Detective Jim Hamell.
The movie begins in 1978 when Alcala is a contestant on the popular TV show, The Dating Game. He appears as a good-looking bachelor looking for love, but in reality, he is a serial killer who had already started his killing spree. The movie then takes us back to the late 1960s, where Alcala's story begins. We follow him as a young man who always had a passion for photography and women. Alcala would lure young women and girls back to his apartment, where he would rape and murder them ruthlessly.
Dating Game Killer takes us through Alcala's numerous arrests and narrow escapes from the law. Even after several complaints and reported murders, Alcala still managed to walk free due to technicalities or lack of evidence. However, he is finally arrested and prosecuted in 1979, thanks to the diligent work of Detective Jim Hamell, who spent years investigating the case. With the use of modern forensic technology, Hamell was able to connect Alcala to his crimes and finally bring him to justice.
Throughout the movie, we also see the impact that Alcala's heinous crimes had on the families of the victims. We follow Carol Jensen, whose daughter was one of Alcala's victims, as she takes us through the emotional rollercoaster of the trial and her endeavors to bring her daughter's killer to justice. Additionally, we follow Alcala's family members, who were oblivious to his heinous and inhumane activities.
Dating Game Killer is a well-directed and well-acted movie that captures the dark and twisted nature of Alcala's crimes. Knepper does an excellent job of portraying Alcala's cold and calculating demeanor, which is a testament to his acting skills. Preston, on the other hand, brings an emotional depth to the movie, showcasing the aftermath of Alcala's actions and the pain felt by the families of the victims. Barr's portrayal of Hamell is also spot-on, capturing the dedication and hard work of law enforcement officials in solving heinous crimes.
The movie also manages to capture the era in which the events took place, showcasing the fashion, music, and general atmosphere of the late 1960s to early 1980s.
Overall, Dating Game Killer is an excellent movie that showcases the life and horrific crimes of one of America's most notorious serial killers. It is not for the faint-hearted, as the movie delves deeply into the dark and twisted mind of Rodney Alcala. However, it is a must-watch for true-crime enthusiasts who are fascinated by the workings of the human mind and the lengths some people will go to satisfy their twisted fantasies.