Heatwave (1982)

Review by All Movie Guide
Director Phillip Noyce and star Judy Davis contribute a great deal more to Heatwave than they get back. This lopsided trade is good news for viewers, for without these two talents galvanizing it, Heatwave would be pretty rough going. The blame, not surprisingly, rests squarely on the screenplay. You know you're in trouble when the development that will be the focal point of the film's plot machinations is called the Eden Project. It's better than just flashing the word "symbol" across the screen, but only just. Unfortunately, this is rather typical of the writing on the whole, which tends to the obvious and yet can't keep from becoming all muddled before the end. Luckily, Noyce fills his bag with enough tricks -- a moody, creepy score, judicious use of slow motion and other visual enhancements, a firm command of atmosphere, and an ability to create considerable tension without breaking a sweat -- so that the screenplay's shortcomings don't matter so much. He's aided enormously by a typically all-out Judy Davis performance. The actress gives her all to the part, not caring whether she comes across as abrasive when the moment calls for it. She makes a fairly stereotypical character feel alive. ~ Craig Butler, All Movie Guide