Heart Eyes (2025)
Heart Eyes attempts to blend the charm of romantic comedies with the thrills of slasher horror, delivering a film that is both intriguing and flawed. Directed by Josh Ruben, the movie features Olivia Holt as Ally McCabe, a pitch designer, and Mason Gooding as Jay Simmons, a consulting advertiser. The narrative follows these two colleagues who, after being mistaken for a couple, become targets of a serial killer known as the Heart Eyes Killer, infamous for preying on couples every Valentine’s Day.
Set against the backdrop of Seattle, the film intertwines elements of romance and horror, reflecting the evolving landscape of genre cinema. This fusion mirrors society’s fascination with genre hybrids, offering audiences a fresh perspective on familiar tropes.
The plot centres on Ally and Jay’s burgeoning relationship, which inadvertently places them in the crosshairs of the Heart Eyes Killer. As they navigate their feelings amidst the looming threat, the film oscillates between lighthearted romantic moments and intense horror sequences. While this juxtaposition aims to create a dynamic narrative, it occasionally results in tonal inconsistencies, making it challenging for us to fully invest in either aspect.
Themes of love, fear, and survival are prevalent throughout the film. The story explores the complexities of modern relationships and the vulnerabilities that accompany them, all while under the shadow of impending danger. However, the execution of these themes sometimes lacks depth and left me craving a more profound exploration.
Olivia Holt and Mason Gooding share a palpable chemistry that enhances their portrayals of Ally and Jay. Holt captures Ally’s scepticism towards love with authenticity, while Gooding’s Jay exudes charm and optimism. Their performances anchor the film, providing a relatable core amidst the chaos. Supporting actors, including Jordana Brewster and Devon Sawa as detectives Shaw and Hobbs, deliver competent performances, though their characters are not deeply developed.
Josh Ruben’s direction showcases moments of brilliance, particularly in scenes that balance humour and horror. However, the film occasionally struggles with pacing, with certain sequences feeling rushed while others drag. This uneven rhythm disrupts the overall flow, affecting our engagement.
Cinematographer Stephen Murphy employs a visual style that contrasts the warmth of romantic scenes with the starkness of horror moments. The use of lighting and framing effectively differentiates the film’s dual tones, enhancing the storytelling. Symbolism, such as the recurring motif of heart imagery, adds a layer of thematic cohesion, subtly reinforcing the connection between love and peril.
The production design authentically captures the essence of Seattle, grounding the narrative in a believable setting. Special effects, particularly during the slasher sequences, are executed with finesse, delivering the requisite gore without venturing into gratuitous territory. The use of colour is deliberate, with a palette that shifts to reflect the film’s changing moods—from the soft hues of budding romance to the harsh tones of terror.
Editing by Brett W. Bachman plays a crucial role in maintaining the film’s balance between genres. However, as previously mentioned, inconsistencies in pacing suggest that tighter editing could have enhanced the overall experience. The dialogue oscillates between witty banter and clichéd exchanges, reflecting the film’s struggle to seamlessly merge its romantic and horror elements.
The soundtrack, composed by Jay Wadley, complements the film’s dual nature, blending melodic tunes with suspenseful scores. While not particularly memorable, the music serves its purpose in enhancing the mood without overshadowing the narrative.
Heart Eyes will draw inevitable comparisons to genre hybrids like Scream and Happy Death Day, both of which successfully melded horror with self-referential humour. While Heart Eyes aspires to similar heights, it falls short in delivering the same level of sharpness and cohesion.
Heart Eyes is an ambitious attempt at merging romantic comedy with slasher horror, resulting in a mixed viewing experience. The film’s strengths lie in the chemistry between the leads and its creative premise. However, tonal inconsistencies and pacing issues hinder its potential. If you’re looking for a new twist on familiar genres, Heart Eyes is an entertaining, albeit uneven, ride.