Desert Hearts

In the late 1950s, Vivian Bell, a reserved and conservative literature professor, travels to Reno, Nevada, seeking a divorce after a long and unfulfilling marriage. She plans to stay at a guest ranch run by the warm and friendly Frances Parker. As Vivian awaits the finalization of her divorce, she feels out of place and wrestles with her own sense of identity and purpose. During her stay, she meets Cay Rivers, a free-spirited and confident young sculptor who works at the nearby casino.

Despite their differences, an unexpected bond forms between Vivian and Cay. Initially, this friendship challenges Vivian’s preconceived notions about herself and her life. As they spend more time together, their relationship grows deeper, leading to emotional turmoil and self-discovery. Faced with societal norms and their own inner conflicts, Vivian and Cay must navigate the complexities of their feelings and decide what risks they are willing to take for love and personal fulfillment.