In the world of horror cinema, genre-blending is both a risk and a reward. Director Josh Ruben (Werewolves Within) takes that gamble with Heart Eyes, a film that confidently mashes together slasher horror and romantic comedy in a bloody Valentine's Day package. With witty humor, stomach-churning gore, and a sweet dose of romance, Heart Eyes proves that opposites can attract-even in film.
The premise is delightfully twisted: a mysterious killer dubbed the Heart Eyes Killer has been striking every Valentine's Day for the past two years, targeting happy couples in gruesome ways. Enter Ally (Olivia Holt) and Jay (Mason Gooding), two coworkers who share a fake kiss to make Ally's ex jealous. That moment of pettiness lands them directly in the killer's sights, as Heart Eyes Killer assumes they're in love-and now they're next.
Ruben's direction clearly draws inspiration from classic slashers like Psycho and Halloween, while injecting the ironic charm of Scream and Happy Death Day. The movie swings between bloody set pieces and laugh-out-loud moments with surprising ease, and although the gore seems excessive at times, the film remains grounded in its campy fun.
The cast plays their roles with just the right amount of tongue-in-cheek sincerity. Holt is especially compelling, portraying Ally as someone whose vulnerability masks an inner strength. Gooding gives Jay a charismatic edge, blending likability with competence. Jordana Brewster is a standout as the composed detective on the case, while Devon Sawa hams it up as her overzealous partner.
While the plot follows familiar beats-yes, there's a "surprise" reveal, and yes, the fake couple predictably falls for each other-Heart Eyes adds enough unique flair to keep things interesting. The pacing never lags, and Ruben keeps the audience guessing just enough to maintain suspense, despite some predictability.
Technically, the Blu-ray release is a solid offering. The visuals are crisp, with soft tones contrasted against blood-drenched set pieces. Daylight scenes seem aglow with pastels, while the darker nighttime moments ooze with atmosphere, though a few nighttime scenes feel visually muddled. The audio mix is a standout. The DTS-HD MA 5.1 track perfectly mirrors the film's dual nature: sweet and bubbly during romantic moments, then deep and jarring when the knives come out.
The special features are sparse for this release, but the director's commentary from Josh Ruben was entertaining, and we also get a run-of-the-mill look at the making of the film. The complete list of special features is as follows:
- Murders & Meet Cutes: The Making of Heart Eyes
- Gag Reel
- Deleted & Extended Scenes
- Filmmaker Commentary
Ultimately, Heart Eyes is a genre fusion that works more often than not. It's a date-night slasher that doesn't skimp on the gore or the charm. Horror fans will find plenty to love, and rom-com devotees might be surprised by how much they enjoy the blood-soaked chaos. It's campy, it's clever, and it's fun.
Definitely Recommend.
Grade B+
