REVIEW: “Killer Heat” (2024)

As a seasoned connoisseur of the film noir genre, I must say that “Killer Heat” is a delightful addition to the pantheon of classic detective tales. Philippe Lacôte masterfully transports us to a world of moral ambiguity and intrigue, where every character seems to have a hidden agenda, and nothing is as it appears.

In “Killer Heat,” director Philippe Lacôte reworks crime novelist Jo Nesbø’s short story, “The Jealousy Man,” into a traditional film noir style production. The narrative features a tough private investigator, an enigmatic woman, sarcastic narration, moral complexities, and the potential for a homicide. This adaptation by screenwriters Roberto Bentivegna and Matt Charman is commendable, though it doesn’t introduce any fresh elements to the classic noir genre. However, it effectively conveys what makes these films so captivating.

Title “Killer Heat” introduces Joseph Gordon-Levitt as Nick Bali, a private investigator with a distinct film noir persona. His hair is styled in tight curls under a worn Panama hat. Despite an unkempt appearance, there’s an undeniable charm to him, and one can almost sense the lingering scent of alcohol that precedes his entry. However, Nick possesses remarkable intuition, an exceptional memory, and a meticulous eye for detail – qualities that make him an effective detective despite his imperfections.

Upon the allure of Crete’s shores, at the behest of Penelope Vardakis – a prominent figure in a family known for their affluence and influence on the island, yet tainted by violence and corruption – I find myself. Her brother-in-law Leo, a free solo climber extraordinaire, met an untimely demise just days ago while scaling the island’s cliffs. The local authorities, who appear to be in the Vardakis family’s employ, swiftly declared it an accident. However, Penelope remains unconvinced and in confidence, has secretly entrusted me with unraveling the truth behind Leo’s death.

In no time at all, Nick’s probe introduces us to some crucial characters in the enigma. Among them is Elias (Richard Madden), who is Penelope’s spouse, Leo’s late twin brother. We also meet Audrey (Clare Holman), the head of the Vardakis clan. There’s also a police officer named Georges (Babou Ceesay) whose reliability could be questionable. However, there are other intriguing elements to this puzzle that I won’t reveal; they’re skillfully incorporated into Bentivegna and Charman’s script.

The enigma presents enough unexpected twists to maintain intrigue and never allows for prolonged contemplation due to its brisk tempo. Lacôte skillfully incorporates illuminating flashbacks that offer insights into the unsavory pasts of the Vardakis family as well as Nick’s turbulent history. Ultimately, all these elements coalesce into a dynamic crime narrative, albeit not one that stands out as exceptionally innovative. When the disclosures finally unfold, they fail to take us by surprise.

The film ‘Killer Heat,’ shot on location in sunny Crete by Lacôte and DP Andrew Dunn, boasts a cast that includes Gordon-Levitt as a decent detective and Woodley as an appealing femme fatale. However, their characters seem more like stereotypes than complex figures, lacking depth or mystery. Still, the acting across the board is commendable.

This classic-styled thriller seems to be missing the intensity it aims for. While there are occasional glimpses of tension, particularly as the character Nick becomes increasingly unwelcome, the overall atmosphere never rises much above a comfortable room temperature. The suspense doesn’t grip us tightly like it should, and the underlying theme of jealousy often gets overshadowed by the need for logical resolution. However, the film manages to keep our attention throughout its brisk 9-episode run, and spending time in the beautiful Greek Isles with Joseph Gordon-Levitt is not a bad way to pass 90 minutes. “Killer Heat” is now available exclusively on Prime Video.

2024-10-01 17:56

REVIEW: “Killer Heat” (2024)

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