Heart Eyes: A Slasher Rom-Com That’s Killer Fun

Directed by: Josh Ruben

 Written by: Phillip Murphy, Christopher Landon & Michael Kennedy 

Produced by: Christopher Landon, Greg Gilreath, Adam Hendricks 

Executive Producers: Gary Barber, Chris Stone, Mel Turner, Phillip Murphy, Michael Kennedy Starring: Olivia Holt, Mason Gooding, Gigi Zumbado, Michaela Watkins, with Devon Sawa and Jordana Brewster

Rated: R

Run time: 97 mins

Release date: February 7th, 2025, in theaters

Okay, let’s be real. With the Scream franchise seemingly stuck in development hell (anyone else getting Friday the 13th remake vibes?), horror fans needed something to tide them over. And boy, did we get it. Heart Eyes isn’t just another slasher flick; it’s a delightful, self-aware concoction of rom-com tropes, jump scares, and laugh-out-loud spoof. It knows it’s ridiculous, and it leans into it hard, even throwing in some cheeky nods to the very movies that inspired it. It’s like Scream met When Harry Met Sally after a few too many tequila shots and decided to go on a murderous rampage. And honestly? I’m ok with that. 

Alley (Olivia Holt), our leading lady, is a hot mess (relatable, right?). She’s a recently dumped advertising executive whose career is circling the drain faster than a Kardashian marriage after a bad tweet. Her latest marketing blunder? A Valentine’s Day commercial featuring couples getting brutally murdered. Yeah, talk about tone-deaf. Enter Jay (Mason Gooding), yes, the son of Cuba Gooding Jr., a charming and optimistic freelance advertising guru brought in to clean up the PR disaster. He’s basically a walking, talking rom-com cliché, and Alley, despite her better judgment, is completely smitten. Their awkward-yet-adorable working dinner takes a romantic turn, but their budding connection is rudely interrupted by the “Heart Eyes” killer, a masked maniac who’s decided to make this Valentine’s Day a real heartbreaker. Suddenly, Alley and Jay are fighting for their lives, forcing Alley to confront not only a masked murderer but also her own complicated feelings for Jay. Because what’s a little serial killing when you’re falling in love, right?

Acting and Chemistry: The Heart of the Matter (Pun Intended)

Holt and Gooding are the heart (okay, one more pun) of this film. Their chemistry is undeniable. They perfectly capture the awkwardness and charm of a classic rom-com, making their connection feel genuine even amidst the chaos. You actually root for them, even when they’re doing ridiculously over-the-top things, like exchanging longing glances while simultaneously yanking a tire iron out of a victim’s skull. It’s that level of commitment to the absurd that makes the film work. Gigi Zumbado, as Alley’s best friend (and resident gold-digger…or “financially opportunistic” friend, as she’d prefer), delivers hilarious comic relief. She’s the voice of reason (or, at least, the voice of someone who’s not currently running for their life), offering witty commentary on Alley’s love life and general lack of self-preservation. And let’s not forget Michaela Watkins as their boss. She’s a force of nature, a foul-mouthed, egotistical nightmare who channels The Devil Wears Prada with a dash of unhinged energy. Her rants are pure comedic gold.

Let’s not forget Detective Hobbs (Devon Sawa) and Detective Shaw (Jordana Brewster), who bring a fun buddy-cop dynamic to the film. And yes, there’s a not-so-subtle nod to Hobbs & Shaw from the Fast & Furious franchise—especially since Brewster plays Mia Toretto, Dominic Toretto’s sister, in that universe. The film leans into the connection with a playful wink. These two are just as hilarious and over-the-top as the rest of the cast, fully embracing the chaos while turning the local authorities into a total farce.

Story and Genre Bending: A Deliciously Twisted Mix

I’ll admit, I went into Heart Eyes with low expectations. Another holiday-themed slasher? Been there, seen that, yawn. But this film surprised me. It’s not just another paint-by-numbers slasher. It’s a clever, self-aware blend of genres. It gleefully skewers rom-com tropes, from the meet-cute to the grand gesture, while still delivering genuinely creepy moments and some surprisingly creative kills. The film wears its influences on its sleeve, drawing clear inspiration from Scream. Like Scream, Heart Eyes encourages viewers to play detective, trying to figure out the killer’s identity. I had my suspicions, but the actual reveal? Totally unexpected. The Valentine’s Day killer premise, which could have been cheesy and predictable, works precisely because the film doesn’t take itself too seriously. It’s in on the joke. You could even remove some of the slasher elements, and the rom-com core of the film would still be entertaining.

Gore and Pacing: A Balancing Act

Heart Eyes doesn’t shy away from the gore, especially in the opening scenes. But it’s never gratuitous or exploitative. It’s just the right amount of bloody fun. The pacing is key here. The film seamlessly transitions between the romantic and horror elements. I found myself genuinely invested in Alley and Jay’s relationship, almost forgetting about the masked maniac lurking in the shadows at times. The transitions are fluid and never feel jarring. It’s a delicate balancing act, and Heart Eyes pulls it off with aplomb.

Conclusion: A Heartfelt (and Heartless) Recommendation

Heart Eyes is a surprisingly fun and entertaining ride, seamlessly blending the DNA of Scream with the charm of a classic rom-com. It’s self-aware, packed with meta humor, and doesn’t take itself too seriously, making it the perfect choice for horror fans, rom-com lovers, and anyone who enjoys a bit of ridiculousness in their movies. I give it a solid 7/10, definitely worth a matinee or a fun night out with friends if only to laugh at its over-the-top moments.