Where was Killer Heat (2024) filmed? All shooting locations explored

Killer Heat is a thriller film directed by Philippe Lacôte. It was released on September 26, 2024, and stars Joseph Gordon-Levitt as Nick Bali, Shailene Woodley as Penelope Vardakis and Richard Madden as Elias Vardakis. The movie is inspired by Jo Nesbø's short story The Jealousy Man.

The plot involves a private investigator hired to solve a murder case in a far-off Greek island. The beautiful visuals and locations add a great deal in terms of adding to the marketability of the film. The primary filming locations for Killer Heat were the gorgeous island of Crete, Greece, and parts of the Greek mainland, including Athens and Sounion.

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All filming locations for Killer Heat

1) Crete, Greece

The principal locations of Killer Heat were the islands of Crete, Greece's largest island.

Crete was chosen for the movie due to the diversified landscapes it provided, from serene beaches and stony mountains to small villages. Much of the filming of the island location occurred in and around Elounda town on the northeastern coast of Crete.

Peaceful fishing villages, gleaming bays and dry hilly ground made Elounda an excellent shooting location. The primary location of the film is the classy house of the Vardakis family, aka Villa Ollie or Villa Clementine, near Agios Nikolaos, south of Elounda.

This villa with its endless view of the sea and imposing decoration exemplifies luxury and isolation, making a perfect fit for the movie's theme.

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2) Athens, Greece

The producers also filmed in a location outside Crete; in the capital city of Athens. The contrast of the film's urban experiences in Athens is distinct compared to the cinematography of Crete.

Many key scenes were filmed in various parts of the city, capturing its ancient and modern sights. The bustling, old ruins and vibrant culture of Athens complemented the storyline of the movie.

Another location that merits a special mention in Athens is the temple of Poseidon at Sounion, through which one can see breathtaking views of the Aegean Sea.

This ancient temple provided an atmospheric historical backdrop to several key scenes of the movie. The combination of ancient structures and new storytelling provide something new to viewers.

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The filming experience

The actors and crew of Killer Heat likely had a great time shooting in Greece. Lead actress Shailene Woodley, who plays Penelope Vardakis, described with excitement how they shot scenes in stunning locations.

Because she and her family had moved to a small village in Crete before the tourist season, they immersed themselves in Greek culture and life. That added a touch of authenticity to their acting and helped them connect with the story on a much deeper level.

The production team experienced a few setbacks, though, like the need to wrap filming in time before the 2023 SAG-AFTRA strike. Nevertheless, they wrapped up filming on time, ensuring that the atmosphere of Greek lands and cultures was well captured.

The local communities in Crete and Athens warmly received them, making the film shoot smooth and enjoyable for everyone involved.

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Apart from the riveting action, Killer Heat boasts stunning filming locations. The island of Crete with its contrast of landscapes and majestic villas made a great setting for the high-intensity plot of the film, while the jarring urban scenes in Athens enriched this story.

The authenticity and sensuous visual appeal brought to the film through the experience of the cast and crew in Greece certainly added richness to the story. Killer Heat is a movie that follows a breathtakingly beautiful combination of Greece's beauty and the exciting narrative, making it a must-watch for fans of crime mysteries and beautiful scenery.