Vivian Bell (Helen Shaver), a 35-year-old New York City English professor, arrives in Reno to dissolve her 12-year marriage. She is met at the train depot by Frances Parker (Audra Lindley), a former showgirl who now runs the dude ranch where she will be staying. Feeling like a fish out of water, Vivian remains in her room steeping in a stew of conflicting emotions including anger, guilt, and regret.
Despite the fact that she is frightened by individuals who can express their physicality and feelings freely, Vivian strikes up a friendship with Cay Rivvers (Patricia Charbonneau), a lesbian casino cashier who views Frances as her adopted mother. The two women — different in mind, body, experience, and philosophy — share their life stories. Eventually, the dialogue leads to a love encounter that compels both Vivian and Cay to look afresh at who they are and what they want out of life.
Desert Hearts, based on a novel by Jane Rule, is smoothly and sensitively directed by Donna Deitch. As in the film My Beautiful Laundrette, the gay perspective is handled naturally. Helen Shaver is just right as the repressed Vivian, a cerebral woman whose marriage "drowned in still waters." Patricia Charbonneau is very expressive as the extroverted Cay, a young woman who for the first time in any relationship is forced to consider the meaning of commitment. Audra Lindley puts in a well-rounded performance as Frances, a lonely old woman who doesn't want to let go of her surrogate daughter. Desert Hearts convincingly circles around the theme of love and lets in light from several angles.