Perhaps no one had the premiere day of Killer Heat marked on the calendar, but there must be something about the latest Prime Video premiere that has managed to enter directly at number one of the most viewed movies on the platform in its first week on the catalog without any anticipation for its arrival.

It could have been its cast, Joseph Gordon-Levitt (The Trial of the Chicago 7), Richard Madden (Game of Thrones), and Shailene Woodley (Big Little Lies). Perhaps the fact that it adapts a story by Jo Nesbø or simply the novelty of it, but in any case, whether there was a strategy or not, the movie has managed to capture the attention of the viewers.

This psychological mystery thriller is directed by Philippe Lacôte (Night of the Kings) and based on the short novel The Jealous Man (published in Spain by DeBolsillo) by Jo Nesbø. The film follows Nick Bali (Gordon-Levitt), an American private investigator working in Greece.

Bali is hired by Penelope (Shailene Woodley), the sister-in-law of a young shipping magnate, Leonidas Vardakis (Richard Madden), who has died in an apparent climbing accident on the island of Crete. Penelope suspects that his death was not accidental and asks Nick to investigate.

Despite what the title may suggest, Killer Heat relies more on the psychological tension between the characters than on physical action. The power dynamics and internal conflicts and emotions are what really drive the plot, making this a more introspective film than a typical crime or action thriller.

'Killer Heat' | Tráiler

Philippe Lacôte's direction captures the suffocating atmosphere of the setting and the complex feelings of the characters. It also has a modern classic touch of film noir.

The film was filmed in Greece and makes the most of the light and the Mediterranean landscape while effectively conveying the sense of isolation and emotional claustrophobia experienced by the characters.

Other works by Jo Nesbø

This Norwegian author is known for his intriguing crime and suspense novels. He is famous for the series featuring detective Harry Hole, which includes titles like The Snowman, The Ghosts, and The Lioness. His work has been acclaimed by both critics and readers, establishing him as one of the best-selling authors in the crime novel genre.

One of the best-known adaptations is The Snowman, which was turned into a movie in 2017. Also, The Hunter has been adapted, and some of his stories have been transformed into TV series, like Harry Hole in Norway.

Details

  • Where to watch: Prime Video
  • Duration: 97 minutes
  • Year of production: 2024
  • Directed by: Philippe Lacôte
  • Cast: Richard Madden, Joseph Gordon-Levitt, Shailene Woodley, Manos Gavras, Babou Ceesay, Clare Holman, Argyris Gaganis

*This article has been automatically translated using artificial intelligence