Desert Hearts poster

Desert Hearts

In 1959, Vivian Bell came to Reno, Nevada for a quick divorce. Of all the people she met there, the one who surprised her the most was herself.

7.1(181)19851h 31m4

While waiting for her divorce papers, a repressed literature professor finds herself unexpectedly attracted by a carefree, spirited young woman named Cay.

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Status
Released
Budget
$350K
Box office
$2.4M
Language
English
  • farm
  • coming out
  • casino
  • based on novel or book
  • nevada
  • reno, nevada
  • lesbian relationship
  • divorce
  • desert
  • lgbt
  • woman director
  • 1950s

Top billed cast

Behind the camera

Director

Donna Deitch

Produced in

United States of America

Gallery

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Videos

Release dates

  • United StatesUS

    • Theatrical (limited)Chicago International Film Festival1 Oct 1985
    • Theatrical7 Mar 1986
  • United KingdomGB

    • Theatrical181 Aug 1986
  • CanadaCA

    • PremiereToronto International Film Festival5 Sept 1985
  • NetherlandsNL

    • Theatrical1218 Dec 1986
    • Physical12DVD31 May 2002
  • SwitzerlandCH

    • PremiereLocarno Film Festival12 Aug 1985

Frequently asked questions

Desert Hearts was released on 1 October 1985.

Audience reviews

2
  • T

    talisencrw

    7/28/2016

    9/10

    Lately I felt I couldn't consider myself a self-respecting cinephile unless I at the very least sampled more works both by female directors and from the gay/lesbian/related subgenre. Fortunately my university offered in its library collection an assortment I decided to peruse occasionally. Although Deitch's film is a romantic drama featuring lesbians, I still readily enjoyed it. Glad I took a chance on it and decided…

  • T

    tmdb40011370

    11/21/2019

    8/10

    As a lesbian myself, I have to say I was extremely grateful when a friend recommended I watch this film some 12 odd years ago when I was a willowy 14/15 year old realising that my private emotions were geared towards my own sex but I didn't want to tell the world just yet. I must admit to struggling to stay with this slow burner, probably due to my impatient teenage angst. But stay with it I did and I have to say …

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