Meet Daniel Zovatto, the Rising Latino Star of Netflix’s Woman of the Hour
Netflix’s Woman of the Hour, Anna Kendrick’s directorial debut, has quickly climbed the streaming service’s charts, captivating viewers with its chilling storyline based on real events. The film tells the unnerving story of a woman who meets a serial killer on the 1970s reality TV show The Dating Game. At the heart of the film is Costa Rican actor Daniel Zovatto, who portrays Rodney Alcala, the real-life murderer who notoriously appeared on the show amidst his crime spree.
Zovatto, 33, embraced the challenging role, blending a charm with a deeply unsettling side to capture the duality of Alcala. “It seemed like a really exciting, cool challenge to go and do with Anna, who had full trust in me,” Zovatto shared with PEOPLE. The actor’s nuanced performance brings depth to the film’s tension, navigating the dark, psychological aspects of portraying a historical figure known for his charismatic facade.
Growing up in Costa Rica, Zovatto developed a love for cinema early on, inspired by performances of actors like Leonardo DiCaprio. Watching movies like What’s Eating Gilbert Grape and The Basketball Diaries, he was struck by DiCaprio’s transformative talent. “I remember watching What’s Eating Gilbert Grape...and I was like, who is this? This is the same kid?” Zovatto said, reflecting on how his mother, Sylvia Blanco, encouraged his dreams by showing him what acting could be.
His passion for film led Zovatto to move first to New York City, where he pursued theater, and later to Los Angeles. There, he landed roles in the horror film Beneath (2013) and Marvel’s Agents of S.H.I.E.L.D. before gaining more prominence in It Follows (2014) and Don’t Breathe (2016). These roles highlighted his talent for intense characters, paving the way for his biggest role yet in Woman of the Hour.
The portrayal of Alcala was a taxing one, and Zovatto shared that he was relieved to move on from the role. “I wasn’t sleeping much,” he admitted to UPI. After filming, he took time to reconnect with his personal life and interests, gradually letting go of the intensity of the character. Zovatto’s performance as Alcala is a powerful one, marking his transition into major roles and underscoring his versatility as an actor.
With Woman of the Hour, Daniel Zovatto continues to make a name for himself in Hollywood. His portrayal in this gripping film highlights both his dedication and his ability to handle complex roles. Fans can catch Woman of the Hour, now streaming on Netflix.
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