Desert Hearts (1985) Review in 2025
Desert Hearts is a 1985 American romantic drama film that tells the story of two women who fall in love in 1950s Nevada.
Family-Friendly Rating
Is this movie suitable for family viewing?
This movie is not suitable for family viewing due to its mature themes, language, and romantic content.
CineReview Recommendation
This movie is worth watching for its strong performances, beautiful cinematography, and engaging storyline. However, it may not be suitable for all audiences due to its mature themes and language.
Spoiler Alert!
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The film follows Vivian Bell, a New York City professor, who travels to Reno to get a divorce, where she meets and falls in love with Cay, a rancher's daughter. However, their love is put to the test as they face societal pressures and personal demons.
Review Details
story9.00/10
The story is engaging and well-paced, exploring themes of love, identity, and societal expectations. The film's narrative is strong, with a clear beginning, middle, and end.
acting9.00/10
The acting is superb, with Helen Shaver and Patricia Charbonneau delivering standout performances. Their chemistry on screen is undeniable, making their romance believable and engaging.
characters8.50/10
The characters are well-developed and relatable, with Vivian and Cay being particularly well-portrayed. Their chemistry on screen is undeniable, making their romance believable and engaging.
direction8.00/10
The direction is solid, with Doris Dorrie bringing a sense of intimacy and vulnerability to the film. However, some scenes feel a bit slow-paced, which can make the film feel a bit long.
cinematography9.00/10
The cinematography is stunning, capturing the beauty of the Nevada desert and the characters' emotions. The use of lighting and color is particularly noteworthy, adding to the film's overall atmosphere.
Pros and Cons
Pros
The film's strong performances, beautiful cinematography, and engaging storyline make it a standout romantic drama.
Cons
Some scenes feel a bit slow-paced, and the film's mature themes and language may not be suitable for all audiences.
Notable Quotes
"I don't know what's more exhausting, the desert or the people in it."
"I'm not a lesbian, I'm just a woman who loves women."
