Killer Heat

I don't mind a mystery where I predict the end so long as I enjoy the ride getting there. That's the case for this movie.

It's marketed as noir so, like almost all noir, I predicted the end before I even pressed play. That's the problem with the genre. It has such predictable tropes that you hardly need to know anything about it to guess the ending. And this movie really embraced the classic tropes, which is one reason I liked it, and another reason I found it so predictable.

That said, the setting in Greece, the slow and steady pacing, the enigmatic characters... they made this an enjoyable film to watch. The acting was decent and so was the writing. These days, with the constant churn of streaming content where quantity matters over quality, that means something.

The son of a wealthy family on Greece's island falls fatally while rock climbing. The death is determined as an accident. But his twin brother's wife believes that he was murdered. So she hires a PI to find the murderer.

One of the drawbacks of Killer Heat is the suspects, ie. Not enough red herring because the list is short. As a commonly noir, "half-boiled" detective story, there is the monologue voiceover, half of the time focusing on the PI past, which explains that he is the jealousy type, which helps his line of work -- recognizing the subtle hint that arouses suspicion.

I rarely guess the whodunnit correctly in most movies, though not this one. But probably that's not the point. It's poetic, which brings:

With its unique theme, I believe Killer Heat has potential, but why it misses the target I don't know -- either a little short deficient writing or it's just not working great for screen.

I enjoyed some scenes but was numb with the rest. It is a half-forgettable movie, though I will remember the three actors who have ever been in this one when I see them next in other movies.

I give it a 6.8. I don't get why this movie has such a low rating. It's not a groundbreaking plot or one filled with a bunch of twists but it's not crap either. The mystery aspect of the story I doubt you'll be guessing either. (Which I believe is or almost is the most important part of a mystery movie.) It's a detective story through n through. The acting is also pretty solid, no one had a bad performance. I think Shailene Woodley always gives as great performance, which was also true here. Joseph-Gordon Levitt was pretty good. Was t his best work but wasn't bad either. Visually the movie is also pleasing. Some great shots on a beautiful island.

As with a lot of shows or movies the ratings are all over the map. My wife and I like to watch a movie or series, usually from one of the streaming services each evening. One of the others reviews asked "why does this even exist". Well, it exists for someone who wants to watch something and be reasonably entertained.

We thought it was a decent watch, with good and familiar actors, great scenery, and yes predictable plot, and yes maybe ten minutes too long but we were not disappointed, it served its purpose.

If I could rate it 5.5 I would, which is exactly where its overall rating is right now. So, if your looking for something for your evening watch and dont expect something Oscar worthy this one will work.

Joseph Gordon Levitt and Shailene Woodley both do an excellent job in the lead roles. The script isn't anything groundbreaking, but its still well thought out and will keep you guessing, while also giving us enough background of the two leads to make them relatable.. This is billed as noir, but the only thing Noir about Killer Heat is the narration from Levitt. It was filmed on Location in one of the brightest locals in the world Greece, so if the director wanted to make noir he should have filmed elsewhere. Otherwise, this is a decent enough mystery to entertain and its running time is short enough to not become bored. This wont win any awards, but its enjoyable enough to watch.