'Heart Eyes' Review: A Bloody Valentine that Mashes Rom-Coms with Horror Slasher Fun
Every great horror film needs a terrifying antagonist, and Heart Eyes delivers in spades with its chilling Heart Eyes Killer (HEK). A Valentine’s Day slasher with a twist, HEK only targets couples, making him the ultimate nightmare for those in love. His signature heart-shaped eyes serve as night-vision goggles, adding an eerie red glow to his perspective (reminiscent of Silence of the Lambs). Armed with a crossbow that shoots deadly cupid’s arrows, HEK's deadly charm is matched only by his backup weapon: a butcher’s knife. This killer is the perfect adversary in Josh Ruben’s (of Werewolves Within fame) witty, horror-comedy hybrid that cleverly merges the worlds of romcoms and slasher films.
Sony Pictures
Rom-Com Tropes Meet Killer Thrills
The film opens with all the classic rom-com conventions. Think high-powered professionals, mishaps over coffee orders, accidental head bumps, and “will they, won’t they” chemistry. Ally (Olivia Holt), a jewelry advertising exec, finds herself paired with marketing guru Jay (Mason Gooding) to launch a new campaign. As expected in rom-com fashion, sparks fly after Ally kisses Jay to make her jealous ex-boyfriend see red. Unbeknownst to them, their fake romance is enough to catch the attention of HEK, who mistakes them for a real couple and sets his sights on them.
Slasher Fun with Quick Witted One-Liners
The transition into horror is seamless, and the pacing rarely lets up once the terror begins. Co-written by Phillip Murphy, Christopher Landon, and Michael Kennedy (known for Freaky, It’s A Wonderful Knife, and Happy Death Day), the film showcases inventive kills, from a deadly encounter in a winery's grape crusher to a tense chase scene at an outdoor movie screening of His Girl Friday. The one-liners, sharp and cutting, land with precision, delivering plenty of laughs along the way.
The Detectives on the Case
The investigation is led by two detectives, Hobbs (Devon Sawa, Final Destination) and Shaw (Jordana Brewster, The Faculty), whose unfamiliarity with slasher films adds a fun layer of self-awareness to the story. Their reactions to the unfolding events underscore Heart Eyes's playful nod to the genre while keeping the suspense palpable.
A Winning Couple at the Heart of the Horror
Despite its playful tone, the film never forgets to invest in its central couple. Holt and Gooding share great chemistry, with Holt delivering standout performances that balance both humor and horror. Her transition from romantic lead to resourceful scream queen is effortless, making her a memorable presence in a genre where women often take a backseat.
A Bloody Love Story with a Twist
In a final touch, a mid-credits scene teases that this love story isn't over yet. Heart Eyes is a bloody love letter to both the rom-com and slasher genres, a film that never takes itself too seriously but still delivers on thrills and laughs. Think of it as a Hinge date from hell—smart, funny, and intense, Heart Eyes is a perfect match for horror and rom-com fans alike. Swipe right!
