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Desert Hearts 1986

In 1950s Nevada, a reserved professor, Vivian Bell, travels to a desert ranch hoping for a change of scenery. There, she unexpectedly begins a passionate and transformative affair with the free-spirited Cay Rivers. As their relationship deepens, Vivian confronts her own personal beliefs and anxieties against the backdrop of the vast and beautiful desert, accompanied by the evocative sounds of country music.

In 1950s Nevada, a reserved professor, Vivian Bell, travels to a desert ranch hoping for a change of scenery. There, she unexpectedly begins a passionate and transformative affair with the free-spirited Cay Rivers. As their relationship deepens, Vivian confronts her own personal beliefs and anxieties against the backdrop of the vast and beautiful desert, accompanied by the evocative sounds of country music.

Does Desert Hearts have end credit scenes?

No!

Desert Hearts does not have end credit scenes. You can leave when the credits roll.

Meet the Full Cast and Actors of Desert Hearts

Explore the complete cast of Desert Hearts, including both lead and supporting actors. Learn who plays each character, discover their past roles and achievements, and find out what makes this ensemble cast stand out in the world of film and television.


Ratings and Reviews for Desert Hearts

See how Desert Hearts is rated across major platforms like IMDb, Metacritic, and TMDb. Compare audience scores and critic reviews to understand where Desert Hearts stands among top-rated movies in its genre.


Metacritic

67

Metascore

8.2

User Score

Rotten Tomatoes
review

90%

TOMATOMETER

review

77%

User Score

TMDB

70

%

User Score

Take the Ultimate Desert Hearts Movie Quiz

Challenge your knowledge of Desert Hearts with this fun and interactive movie quiz. Test yourself on key plot points, iconic characters, hidden details, and memorable moments to see how well you really know the film.


Desert Hearts Quiz: Test your knowledge on the 1986 film Desert Hearts, a poignant love story set against the backdrop of 1959 Reno.

What is Vivian Bell's primary reason for traveling to Reno?

Awards & Nominations for Desert Hearts

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Discover all the awards and nominations received by Desert Hearts, from Oscars to film festival honors. Learn how Desert Hearts and its cast and crew have been recognized by critics and the industry alike.


2nd Independent Spirit Awards 1987

Nomination

Best Female Lead

Patricia Charbonneau

Full Plot Summary and Ending Explained for Desert Hearts

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Read the complete plot summary of Desert Hearts, including all major events, twists, and the full ending explained in detail. Explore key characters, themes, hidden meanings, and everything you need to understand the story from beginning to end.


In the sweltering summer of 1959, Vivian Bell, a 35-year-old English professor at Columbia University in New York City, embarks on a quest to Reno, Nevada, with a singular ambition: to obtain a swift divorce. She finds temporary solace at a rustic guest house ranch, a sanctuary for women awaiting the finalization of their divorces, managed by the watchful Frances Parker.

Upon her arrival in Reno, Vivian encounters Cay Rivers, a lively and free-spirited sculptor, whose unorthodox nature and disregard for societal conventions instantly captivate Vivian. As they spend more time together, Vivian becomes increasingly enchanted by Cay’s uninhibited enthusiasm and carefree disposition, providing a much-needed escape from the limitations of her own life.

However, Frances is far from pleased with the blossoming relationship between Vivian and Cay. Having shared a close bond with Cay over the years, she fears that this new connection threatens to usurp her place in Cay’s heart. Her mounting resentment simmers beneath the surface as the two women grow closer.

Their mutual attraction intensifies during Silver’s engagement party when Cay, sensing a moment of vulnerability in a tipsy Vivian, takes her on an unexpected adventure to Pyramid Lake at twilight. Beneath the twinkling stars, Cay boldly leans in, planting a tender kiss on Vivian’s lips. The response is electric as Vivian returns the kiss with equal passion; yet, apprehension quickly sets in, prompting her to request their return to the ranch come morning.

Frances’s anger flares when she witnesses an intimate moment between Vivian and Cay at the guest house, leading her to throw Vivian out. Heartbroken by the abrupt separation, Cay hastily departs the ranch, leaving Vivian to move to a nearby hotel for the rest of her stay.

Their destinies remain entwined as Cay unexpectedly shows up at Vivian’s hotel. Initially met with tension, the two women eventually surrender to their desires, freeing themselves from their inhibitions and fully embracing their love. As the imminent finalization of Vivian’s divorce approaches, both women grapple with the uncertain future of their connection.

With the bitter taste of divorce lingering, Vivian sets off on her own back to the bustling concrete jungle of New York City, leaving behind the desolate beauty of Nevada. The unresolved feelings about her separation from Cay linger, as Cay wrestles with whether to forsake her newfound independence to join Vivian in the East Coast’s vibrant landscape. In a surprising twist, Cay boards the train at the last moment, sealing her fate alongside Vivian. As the train begins to move, they find themselves together again, their uncertain future stretching out before them like the tracks, each passing mile serving as a poignant reminder of their decisions and the roads yet to explore.

Uncover the Details: Timeline, Characters, Themes, and Beyond!

Watch Trailers, Clips & Behind-the-Scenes for Desert Hearts

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desert hearts-trailer

DESERT HEARTS - Janus Films Trailer

Cars Featured in Desert Hearts

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Explore all cars featured in Desert Hearts, including their makes, models, scenes they appear in, and their significance to the plot. A must-read for car enthusiasts and movie buffs alike.


Chevrolet

1955

3100

Chevrolet

1950

Styleline De Luxe Bel Air

Chevrolet

1956

Two-Ten

De

1946

Soto Custom

De

1951

Soto Custom Station Wagon

Dodge

1957

Custom Royal Lancer

Ford

1959

Fairlane 500 Galaxie Sunliner

Ford

1957

Fairlane 500 Sunliner

Imperial

1957

Nash

1954

Metropolitan

Movie Themes and Keywords

Discover the central themes, ideas, and keywords that define the movie’s story, tone, and message. Analyze the film’s deeper meanings, genre influences, and recurring concepts.


lesbianbreastsfemale frontal nuditynippleskissing while having sexself discoverylesbian sexpassionate kissfemale protagonistyounger woman seduces mature womanlesbian lovemature woman younger woman sexnaked breastsfemale female kissdivorcedesertbased on novellustseductiontitle directed by femalereno nevadayear 1959director cameotraintrain stationproducer directorblackjackfemale directorfemale filmmakerlesbianismqueer1960sfemale female relationshipsex scenetwo women share a bathtubshowernervousnesslesbian interestshared bathdancingkissing in a carkissexploring sexualityrainwomen dancing togetherbathtubkissing in the rainfirst lesbian experiencenevadacasino

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