Review by Jon Donnis
Killer Heat is a brooding, atmospheric crime mystery that brings the sun-soaked beauty of Crete into stark contrast with the dark, simmering tensions at the heart of the Vardakis family. Directed by Philippe Lacôte, the film takes its cues from classic noir but gives it a contemporary twist, offering a moody, slow-burn detective story that unfolds against a striking Mediterranean backdrop.
Joseph Gordon-Levitt plays Nick Bali, a grizzled private investigator haunted by personal demons. His portrayal is effective, especially in scenes where he grapples with his past, using his own jealous obsessions as a tool to solve the case. The Greek dialogue he delivers is clear and adds a sense of authenticity to his character as an expat navigating a foreign world. Shailene Woodley also impresses as Penelope Vardakis, the woman who pulls Nick into the murky family drama. Her performance is nuanced, teetering between vulnerability and manipulation, making her character's motivations difficult to pin down.
The narrative, based on Jo Nesbø's short story The Jealousy Man, is woven with familiar noir elements: a tortured detective, family secrets, a suspicious accident, and undercurrents of jealousy and betrayal. The film's pacing is deliberate, even bordering on slow, but this only adds to the tension, allowing the mystery to simmer rather than explode in rapid-fire action. However, for some, the methodical pacing and classic noir stylings might feel too sedate, even at a relatively brisk 95 minutes. The twists, though solid, are not unexpected, which may leave seasoned mystery fans a bit underwhelmed.
Crete is undeniably a star of the film. The island's sunlit cliffs, azure waters, and secluded locales provide a picturesque yet eerie setting for the story. Lacôte effectively juxtaposes the scenic beauty with the cold, calculating power plays of the Vardakis family, hinting at darkness beneath the Mediterranean's tranquil surface. This backdrop elevates the film, giving it an exotic edge that sets it apart from more traditional noir settings.
The supporting cast does well, with Babou Ceesay standing out as officer Georges Mensah, offering both warmth and grit to a role that could have been sidelined. Richard Madden's portrayal of both Leo and Elias Vardakis brings an eerie duality to the film, though his screen time is more limited than expected given his centrality to the plot.
Killer Heat is not without its flaws. The slow pace might be a hurdle for those expecting more thrills, and the plot twists, while engaging, do little to subvert expectations. However, for fans of old-school detective stories set against a visually stunning backdrop, the film is a rewarding experience. Its mix of personal drama, mystery, and the creeping unease that runs through its sun-drenched settings makes it a worthwhile watch, particularly for those with a penchant for atmospheric crime tales.
Ultimately, Killer Heat is a solid, if not revolutionary, addition to the crime mystery genre. It doesn't strive to break new ground but instead relishes in the slow, tense unraveling of a family tragedy. For those who appreciate slow-burn mysteries and evocative settings, it's a film that delivers exactly what it promises. I'd give it a respectable 7 out of 10, it's not for everyone, but it holds its own for those willing to let it draw them in.
Out now on Amazon Prime UK - https://amzn.to/47VaisW
