Desert Hearts
Seen it?1985 | 91 min | Drama, Romance
Saturday Specialearly ratingWhy it’s a Saturday Special
It earned strong reviews (90% on Rotten Tomatoes) and it made about 7 times its budget. A strong pick for the weekend.
Based on critics, audiences, awards, box office and buzz. Details below.Is it for you?
- Who'll love it
- Made for romantics. Critics rate it higher than audiences do, so it rewards patience more than it chases thrills.
- The mood
- Warm and romantic.
- The pace
- Takes its time with its characters, at 1 hr 31 min.
- What might put you off
- Nothing much: an easy pick for most people.
While waiting for her divorce papers, a repressed literature professor finds herself unexpectedly attracted by a carefree, spirited young woman named Cay.
How it earned its rating
- CriticsStrong
90% on Rotten Tomatoes, 67 on Metacritic
- AudiencesSolid
7.1 out of 10
- AwardsBelow par
Nominated for 1 Independent Spirit Award.
- Box office & staying powerStrong
$2 million worldwide on a $350K budget; still draws a steady audience long after release
- Buzz & cultural impactSolid
About 87K people sought it out in the past year
Trailer
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Cast & crew
Directed by Donna Deitch
- Helen ShaverVivian Bell
- Patricia CharbonneauCay Rivvers
- Audra LindleyFrances Parker
- Andra AkersSilver
- Gwen WellesGwen
- Dean ButlerDarrell
- Katie La BourdetteLucille
- James StaleyArt Warner
- Denise CrosbyPat
- Antony PonziniJoe