Prime Video’s “Killer Heat” is a new mystery thriller starring Joseph Gordon-Levitt as Nick Bali, a private investigator. It shows Nick traveling to Greece to investigate the shocking death of a wealthy man named Leo Vardakis. Nick is hired by Penelope, Leo’s identical twin brother’s wife. The film takes place entirely on a scenic island and relies on the moodiness of the setting as it unravels new bits of information. It seems heavily inspired by the Hollywood noir classics that redefined the genre conventions decades ago. Fans of Joseph Gordon-Levitt and movies like “Killer Heat,” featuring slow-burn mysteries, can check out this thriller on Prime Video.
This 2024 film is based on Jo Nesbø’s short story – “The Jealousy Man.” The film is directed by Philippe Lacôte, known for directing “Night of the Kings,” a critically acclaimed fantasy drama. Besides Gordon-Levit, the film also stars Shailene Woodley and Richard Madden in the central roles. The supporting cast includes Abbey Lee, Clare Holman, Babou Ceesay, Manos Gavras, and Billy Clements. Though it starts with a promising set-up, the film quickly becomes a messy mix of elements borrowed from better noir classics.
If you have seen the film and are looking for more movies like “Killer Heat,” which has gripping mystery, atmospheric settings, and noir vibes, here are a few recommendations to quench your thirst.
1. Chinatown (1974)
“Chinatown” is one of the defining films from the neo-noir mystery genre. Set in 1930s Los Angeles, this 1974 film follows private detective Jake Gittes (Jack Nicholson) hired to investigate a wealthy man suspected of having an affair. As Jake proceeds with the investigation, he gets caught in a web of lies and misconceptions. A simple investigation gradually turns into a messy affair that proves fatal to Jake’s and his client’s life. It affects him far more than he initially imagined.
The screenplay by Robert Towne is inspired by the California Water Wars at the beginning of the 20th century. It won Towne an Oscar, a Golden Globe, and a BAFTA while the film is considered one of the finest cinematic achievements by many publications. Besides Nicholson and Faye Dunaway in central roles, the film also stars John Hillerman, Perry Lopez, Burt Young, and John Huston in key roles. Much like Philippe Lacôte’s “Killer Heat,” “Chinatown” is an ominous affair that stays with you long after the credits roll.
2. The Long Goodbye (1973)
Robert Altman’s “The Long Goodbye” is based on Raymond Chandler’s 1953 novel of the same name. It follows Philip Marlowe, a private detective, who offers his friend Terry a ride to a town in Mexico. The next day, he returns home to learn about Terry’s wife’s murder. The cops arrest him for being an accomplice for a crime he did not commit. After getting out of prison, he works on another case that leads him to the truth about a conspiracy against him.
Altman, who has rarely made genre films, was brought in to direct “The Long Goodbye” after Howard Hawks and Peter Bogdanovich passed on it. Alas, it led to a miraculously moody neo-noir film that defied the known genre conventions. Altman convinced the producers to let Elliott Gould play Marlowe, whose suave portrayal adds to the film’s overall sleekness. Back then, Altman called the film ‘a satire in melancholy.’ So, if you liked “Killer Heat” for Joseph Gordon-Levitt’s portrayal of a detective or its gloominess, “The Long Goodbye” should be on your watchlist.
3. Klute (1971)
Alan J Pakula’s “Klute,” a psychological neo-noir thriller, is considered a part of his ‘paranoia trilogy’. It follows John Klute (Donald Sutherland), a private investigator, hired to solve a missing person’s case. Bree Daniel (Jane Fonda), a New York City call girl, assists him on this case due to her connection to a mysterious client. Klute tracks Bree’s movements through the city for his investigation. Over time, they both get caught in a deceptive play that turns their lives upside down.
The film maintains its sense of ambiguity and holds onto an omnipresent paranoia affecting the lives of its characters. While keeping us at the edge of our seats with its subsequent revelations, the film offers a profound look into their psyche without being obtuse. In this deeply atmospheric film, Sutherland and Fonda give standout performances, later of whom, won an Oscar for her work. If you liked “Killer Heat” for its depiction of the case’s impact on the investigator, you must check out “Klute.”
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4. The Third Man (1949)
Carol Reed’s “The Third Man” is one of the defining films in the neo-noir genre. Set in Viena after the Second World War, this 1949 film revolves around Holly Martins (Joseph Cotton), an American writer who reaches the European city for a job with his friend, Harry Lime (Orson Welles). Upon arriving, Martins learns a shocking truth about Lime’s death. It leads him to a murder investigation, but he finds puzzling pieces that keep him from knowing the complete truth.
Written by Graham Greene, the screenplay focuses on cynical depictions of their lives as evident in most film noir. It captures the essence of this era through evocative black-and-white cinematography with stark tonal contrasts influenced by German expressionism. Even decades later, the film is regarded as one of the greatest films of all time. The BFI also considered it to be the greatest British film ever. So, if you want to watch a bleak thriller similar to “Killer Heat,” “The Third Man” is a terrific choice.
5. Blood Simple (1984)
The Coen brothers are now considered one of the brightest minds to work in Hollywood, and they have many critically acclaimed projects under their belt. So, it’s no wonder that their debut film in 1984 shows enormous promise. Their first feature film, “Blood Simple,” is a neo-noir crime flick that revolves around a love affair. Set in Texas, it follows a Bartender who gets romantically involved with his boss’s wife. Soon, his boss learns about the affair and hires a P.I. to settle the score with the bartender and his wife.
Stylistically, the film takes inspiration from multiple genres to develop its dark, unsettling tone with pulpy elements. It marks the feature film debut of Frances McDormand who stars alongside John Getz, Dan Hedaya, Samm-Art Williams, and M. Emmet Walsh. The script revolves around the themes of revenge and infidelity, similar to what we see in “Killer Heat.” Whether it is about a peaceful escape or retribution, the film remains consistently compelling due to its wonderful direction.
6. Glass Onion: A Knives Out Mystery (2022)
In 2022, Rian Johnson returned with the second chapter of his “Knives Out” film series and presented “Glass Onion.” This mystery film follows a gathering of influential people from different walks of life coming together for a getaway on a tech billionaire’s private Greek island. The cocky, brainless billionaire, Miles Bron has ulterior motives for inviting these guests. We learn more details about his crooked plan through the investigation conducted by Detective Benoit Blanc.
Written by Johnson himself, the screenplay explores the themes evident in similar ‘eat the rich’ themed films. It takes down the greedy culture of people like Bron, which disregards everything beyond the purely self-serving goals of the powerful. Much like “Killer Heat,” “Glass Onion” shows a private detective entering a Greek island to investigate a murder mystery and discover secrets in a wealthy household. It is a twisty affair that keeps entertaining us with its discoveries till the very end.
