Desert Hearts
1985 · Movie · R · 91 min · ★ 7.1 · 78% critics
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.
Where to watch
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
- Critic score
- 78/100
- TMDB rating
- 7.1/10 (175 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
- AA
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