Romance is dead.
Romance is dead.
Heart Eyes, the genre-bending slasher rom-com, slices its way into theatres with a delightfully unhinged blend of humour and horror. Under the direction of Josh Ruben and penned by Phillip Murphy, Christopher Landon, and Michael Kennedy, the film merges nostalgic 80s/90s slasher elements with romantic comedy tropes, taking audiences on a twisted ride that’s equal parts sweet and savage. Despite minor flaws, the film’s highlights shine bright, with well-paced tension, intense gore, and thoughtfully crafted practical effects that elevate the viewing experience.
On Valentine’s Day, marketing associate Ally McCabe (Olivia Holt) struggles to find inspiration for her company’s latest romantic campaign, while facing the threat of being fired. Enter freelancer Jay Simmonds (Mason Gooding), who’s brought in to revamp the campaign and save the company from being cancelled due to its untimely connection to the notorious “Heart Eyes Killer” (or HEK for short), a serial killer targeting couples on Valentine’s Day. When Ally and Jay are seen on a work meeting/date, they unwittingly become the killer’s next targets. As they fight for survival, they must confront their feelings about love, relationships and each other.
With a sprinkle of meta, Heart Eyes flips the script on self-aware horror, trading Scream’s scary movie homages for playful nods to the rom-com genre. The result is an easy mix of laughs, mayhem, and aww moments that will leave you rooting for the pretty leads. If romance isn’t your cup of tea, the film’s visceral violence will provide a welcome antidote. There are clear references to other Valentine’s-themed slashers, but Heart Eyes feels most in line with the recent horror-comedy Totally Killer (2023) while tackling gruesome deaths reminiscent of Thanksgiving (2023), and an over-the-top final reveal that echoes Urban Legend (1998).
While the jokes mostly land and appeal to a broad audience, the film occasionally feels overly reliant on humour. Heart Eyes follows the recent slasher trend of prioritizing comedy over horror, leaving room for more suspense and scares to heighten the tension. At times, the film veers close to parody, and striking a balance with darker, slow-burn elements – particularly stalking scenes – would have added depth.
The cast, experienced in the genre, deliver solid performances and undeniable chemistry, particularly between Olivia Holt and Mason Gooding. Their banter, though occasionally cheesy, adds a lighthearted touch to the film’s darker themes. They fully commit to their characters and bring relatable and lively energy, even when the script veers into predictable territory. Holt shines as the love-weary skeptic, while Gooding provides a charming counterpoint as the hopeless romantic. Jordana Brewster and Devon Sawa make a fun duo as detectives Hobbs and Shaw – a nod to Brewster’s Fast and Furious franchise (and also referenced by Gooding in Scream 2022!). Sawa, though underutilized, makes the most of his limited screen time and nails the comedy, while Brewster adds mystery and sex appeal. With a small cast of characters, the lack of red herrings makes the killer’s reveal easy to spot. Furthermore, the motive behind the killings feels unconvincing, and the film might have benefited from a more subtle approach with the ending monologue. A few tweaks might have perfected the formula, but ultimately Heart Eyes is a film that’s best savoured without overthinking.
A treat for fans of classic slasher tropes and blood splatter, Heart Eyes’ creative direction shines with stylized action sequences, a fantastic killer design, and gnarly kills – including a memorable grape compressor scene. With his intimidating presence and cool design, Heart Eyes has the potential to become a memorable slasher villain. The film’s most electrifying chase scenes and set pieces come courtesy of HEK wreaking havoc on a carousel ride and at a packed drive-in theatre. A soundtrack filled with nostalgic songs from OutKast, Lonestar, and The Supremes adds to the energetic vibe.
Heart Eyes sticks to a familiar slasher template, but every scene serves a purpose, resulting in a campy, popcorn thriller that’s consistently engaging and never dull. Its blend of heart and horror makes it an ideal addition to annual Valentine’s Day marathons, alongside classics like My Bloody Valentine and Valentine (2001). While it may not revolutionize the genre, there’s plenty of fun to be had with Heart Eyes and it will leave viewers anticipating future installments. Don’t forget to stick around for the mid-credit scene as a final treat. <3
