Desert Hearts
1985 · Movie · R · 91 min
★ 7.1(176)unSUB Rating
While waiting for divorce papers in Reno, a reserved literature professor is thrown off her usual path when she forms an unexpected connection with a confident, carefree young woman. Their attraction grows as they navigate the social pressures of their time and what it means to be open about their feelings.
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Watch free on Kanopy — also streaming on HBO Max and The Criterion Channel.
2 hours to watch.
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Details
- Years
- 1985
- Release date
- 1985-10-01
- Language
- English
- Rated
- R
- Runtime
- 91 min
- TMDB rating (input)
- 7.1/10 (176 votes)
About
Watch if you want a classic, relationship-focused love story with gradual emotional tension and strong lead chemistry; Not for you if you need a fast-moving plot or lots of character detail, especially if you found Fire or Lianna more your speed.
Pros: heartfelt lesbian romance; great lead chemistry; striking Nevada setting | Cons: slow pacing; weak character depth; some trite dialogue
Themes
- farm
- coming out
- casino
- based on novel or book
- nevada
- reno, nevada
- lesbian relationship
- divorce
- desert
- lgbt
- woman director
- 1950s
- +2 more
Cast & crew
Helen Shaver
as Vivian Bell
Patricia Charbonneau
as Cay Rivvers
Audra Lindley
as Frances Parker
Andra Akers
as Silver
Gwen Welles
as Gwen
Dean Butler
as Darrell
- KB
Katie La Bourdette
as Lucille
James Staley
as Art Warner
Denise Crosby
as Pat
Antony Ponzini
as Joe
Directed by Donna Deitch