What initially appears to be a straightforward task—adapting a Jo Nesbø short story for the screen with a talented cast on the picturesque island of Crete—has resulted in a surprisingly tedious film. Killer Heat emerges as a dull and predictable entry in the noir genre, squandering the potential of its creators and audience alike.
Originally titled The Jealousy Man, this mystery fails to deliver any real cinematic experience, resembling more of a lackluster episode from an ITV crime drama. At just under 90 minutes, it lacks the depth expected of a feature film. Joseph Gordon-Levitt stars as Nick, a generic private detective called to investigate the suspicious death of Leo (played by Richard Madden), who has fallen from a mountain while free-climbing. Although it appears to be an accident, Leo’s sister-in-law, Penelope (Shailene Woodley), suspects foul play. Married to Leo’s identical twin, she finds herself entangled in a web of family intrigue that hints at danger.
Nick’s investigation unfolds in a formulaic manner, punctuated by an over-the-top voiceover that borders on parody. “Sometimes you use a carrot, sometimes you use a stick, sometimes you just lie your ass off,” he muses, while flashbacks to his past relationships fail to enrich the narrative.
Unfortunately, Killer Heat lacks the depth needed to make its mystery engaging. The plot unfolds with predictable twists that offer no surprises, leaving viewers feeling unfulfilled. As the film progresses, it feels as if the audience is being punished for their patience, with the final revelations being painfully obvious from the start. The characters, from the private investigator to the femme fatale and the brooding husband, are mere clichés, confined to stereotypes without any room for development.
Woodley’s performance stands out, as she injects some emotional nuance into her role, managing to bring a sense of humanity to otherwise flat dialogue. In contrast, Gordon-Levitt’s portrayal resembles a humorless parody, lacking the cleverness typically associated with the private eye archetype. Madden’s character is reduced to repetitive expressions of tension, making it difficult for audiences to engage with him.
Director Philippe Lacôte, known for his critically acclaimed prison thriller Night of the Kings, seems to have missed the mark with this film. Aside from a few scenic shots of Crete, Killer Heat is poorly lit and creatively uninspired, failing to showcase the luxurious lifestyle hinted at in the plot. A scene where Woodley teases an extravagant party is humorously followed by a lackluster gathering on a small boat, highlighting the film’s disconnect between ambition and execution.
While Killer Heat won’t be remembered as the worst adaptation of a Nesbø work—thanks to the shoddy execution of 2017’s The Snowman—it is certainly poised to be one of the most forgettable. The film is currently available for streaming on Amazon Prime.
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