What may seem like a promising venture on the surface—an acclaimed director adapting a Jo Nesbø short story with a trio of charismatic actors set against the picturesque backdrop of Crete—has devolved into a frustrating slog in Killer Heat, a lackluster sunshine noir that squanders the potential of its cast and the audience’s time.
Originally titled The Jealousy Man, this rebranded mystery feels less like a cohesive film and more like an uninspired episode of an ITV crime drama, clocking in at under 90 minutes without credits. Joseph Gordon-Levitt stars as Nick, a conventional private detective drawn into a case involving Leo (Richard Madden), who appears to have died in a free-climbing accident on a Greek island. However, Leo’s sister-in-law, Penelope (Shailene Woodley), suspects foul play, as she is married to Leo’s identical twin brother and is caught in a web of his wealthy and menacing family.
Nick’s investigation unfolds in a predictable manner, accompanied by cringe-worthy voiceovers that often veer into parody territory: “Sometimes you use a carrot, sometimes you use a stick, sometimes you just lie your ass off.” Flashbacks to Nick’s own troubled past with jealousy, featuring a woefully underutilized Abbey Lee, hint at deeper themes but fail to deliver any substantive exploration.
Unfortunately, depth is not Killer Heat’s strong suit. The mystery unravels with a formulaic lack of surprises, leading viewers to anticipate twists that never arrive. The finale delivers exactly what one would expect based on the synopsis, making the viewing experience feel tedious and unrewarding. The characters, from the private detective to the femme fatale and the brooding husband, are mere cliches, rushed through scenes that fail to elevate them beyond stereotypes. Woodley shines, infusing her role with emotional depth, while Gordon-Levitt’s portrayal leans toward a humorless parody, and Madden is reduced to repetitive expressions of angst.
This film serves as a puzzling follow-up for director Philippe Lacôte, whose previous work, Night of the Kings, garnered acclaim for its inventive storytelling after its Venice premiere in 2020. In contrast, Killer Heat is marked by dull cinematography, uninspired lighting, and a lack of creative flair, undermined further by scenes that promise luxury but deliver only fleeting glimpses of grandeur—like a lavish party that turns out to be a handful of people on a small boat.
While Killer Heat may not eclipse the notorious The Snowman as the worst Jo Nesbø adaptation, it certainly stands out as the most forgettable, leaving audiences wondering where the excitement and intrigue went.
