Desert Hearts
“In 1959, Vivian Bell came to Reno, Nevada for a quick divorce. Of all the people she met there, the one who surprised her the most was herself.”
While waiting for her divorce papers, a repressed literature professor finds herself unexpectedly attracted by a carefree, spirited young woman named Cay.
Where to watch Desert Hearts in United States
HBO Max Amazon Channel
YouTube TV
Criterion Channel
HBO Max
Kanopy
Amazon Video
Apple TV Store
Fandango At HomeClick a service to open Desert Hearts there. Availability last verified on June 20, 2026.
Where is Desert Hearts streaming around the world?
| Country | Streaming on | Rent / Buy |
|---|---|---|
| United States | HBO Max Amazon Channel, YouTube TV, Criterion Channel, HBO Max | Amazon Video, Apple TV Store, Fandango At Home |
| United Kingdom | — | Apple TV Store |
| Canada | Criterion Channel | Apple TV Store |
| Australia | — | Apple TV Store |
| Brazil | Looke Amazon Channel | — |
About Desert Hearts
Desert Hearts is a 1985 English-language drama and romance film directed by Donna Deitch. The cast is led by Helen Shaver, Patricia Charbonneau, Audra Lindley. It has a runtime of 1h 31m. Viewers rate it 7.1/10 across 200 ratings. In United States, it is currently streaming on HBO Max Amazon Channel, YouTube TV, Criterion Channel.
Desert Hearts was produced by Desert Hearts Productions and The Samuel Goldwyn Company and made in United States of America. It was released on October 1, 1985, and carries a 18 certification. Made on a budget of about $0 million, it went on to gross $2 million worldwide.
- Director
- Donna Deitch
- Writers
- Natalie Cooper
- Release date
- October 1, 1985
- Original language
- English
- Age rating
- 18
- Status
- Released
- Country
- United States of America
- Budget
- $0 million
- Box office
- $2 million
- Production
- Desert Hearts Productions, The Samuel Goldwyn Company
Desert Hearts cast & crew
Desert Hearts was directed by Donna Deitch and written by Natalie Cooper.
The cast features Helen Shaver as Vivian Bell, Patricia Charbonneau as Cay Rivvers, Audra Lindley as Frances Parker, Andra Akers as Silver, Gwen Welles as Gwen, and Dean Butler as Darrell.
Behind the camera, cinematography is by Robert Elswit and it was produced by Donna Deitch.
Is Desert Hearts worth watching?
Desert Hearts holds an audience score of 7.1/10 from 175 ratings, marking it as well-reviewed drama films.
At 1h 31m, it's an easy, time-light watch.
If you enjoy drama and romance, Desert Hearts is worth a place on your watchlist.
How and where to watch Desert Hearts
In United States, you can stream Desert Hearts on HBO Max Amazon Channel, YouTube TV, Criterion Channel, HBO Max, and Kanopy, or rent and buy it on Amazon Video, Apple TV Store, and Fandango At Home. Click any service above to open it directly.
Streaming rights change country by country and month by month, so the options above reflect United States today — switch your country at the top of the where-to-watch section to see availability elsewhere.
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Cast of Desert Hearts
Helen Shaver
Vivian Bell
Patricia Charbonneau
Cay Rivvers
Audra Lindley
Frances Parker
Andra Akers
Silver
Gwen Welles
Gwen
Dean Butler
Darrell
Katie La Bourdette
Lucille
James Staley
Art Warner
Denise Crosby
Pat
Antony Ponzini
Joe
Alex McArthur
Walter
Tyler Tyhurst
Buck
Desert Hearts — FAQs
▸Where can I watch Desert Hearts in United States?
Desert Hearts is streaming on HBO Max Amazon Channel, YouTube TV, Criterion Channel, HBO Max in United States.
▸Is Desert Hearts on HBO Max Amazon Channel?
Yes — Desert Hearts is currently available on HBO Max Amazon Channel in United States.
▸What language is Desert Hearts in?
Desert Hearts is originally in English. Subtitle and dub options vary by streaming service.
▸How long is Desert Hearts?
Desert Hearts runs 1 hours 31 minutes (91 minutes).
▸What is Desert Hearts rated?
Desert Hearts is rated 18. It holds a 7.1/10 audience score from 175 ratings.
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