Josh Ruben’s work as a director is emerging as a standout in the modern horror landscape. His 2020 film, Scare Me, creatively reimagined the concept of sharing chilling stories by the campfire with an interactive twist. Following that, his adaptation of the video game Werewolves Within showcased his talent for bringing engaging narratives to the big screen. There comes a time when it feels like the well of movie ideas might run dry. However, Josh Ruben, along with his experienced horror writing team—Philip Murray, Christopher Landon, and Michael Kennedy—has cleverly taken inspiration from the Scream franchise to dissect a sub-genre. While Scream breathed new life into the slasher, Heart Eyes opts for a different path, playfully satirizing romantic comedies.
Heart Eyes cold opens with an over-the-top proposal, where the bride-to-be aims for a scripted heartfelt moment but is interrupted by a classic slasher chase, from a figure with heart-shaped eyes. The plot then shifts to Seattle, introducing Ally (Olivia Holt), an advertising professional tangled in controversy regarding her recent campaign. Coincidentally, it ominously links to the deaths seen earlier, suggesting the Heart Eyes Killer’s return. Jay (Mason Gooding), a highly demanded concept expert, arrives to help resolve the turmoil, leading to a charming blend of romantic comedy elements as Ally and Jay work together.
Ally and Jay exit a restaurant, and they unexpectedly run into her ex, a person she struggles to let go of. Acting on impulse, she kisses Jay, a moment she will soon regret. Despite not being a couple, a kiss catches the Heart Eyes Killer’s attention, leading Ally and Jay into a chaotic Valentine’s Day escapade.
At its core Heart Eyes is a rom-com first and slasher second. Unlike other slashers that have attempted to redefine the genre, this film focuses more on the tropes of a romantic comedy with the horror aspect acting as an annoyance not to the audience but to the characters involved. As the Heart Eyes Killer chases Ally and Jay throughout the film the couple yells, “We are not together!” A hilarious statement poking fun at the premeditated motives of the killer. Even the reveal of the Heart Eyes Killer is intentionally underwhelming, highlighting how horror is taking a backseat.
This is some of the most fun I’ve had in the theater. Seeing Devon Sawa (Final Destination) and Jordana Brewster (The Faculty), both horror veterans, took me back to the early 2000s. It’s no surprise that they were paired as the buddy cops tasked with tracking down the Heart Eyes Killer; their chemistry and banter, though brief, were highlights of the film. However, Holt and Gooding truly stole the show. Jay’s suave, seemingly too-good-to-be-true persona did not sway Ally, who struggled to both let Jay in and move on from her ex. The contrasting perspectives on love, artfully portrayed by Gooding and Holt, led to a scene that felt fresh and engaging, avoiding clichés and effectively advancing the story toward the Heart Eyes Killer.
Heart Eyes, as the villain, was entertaining to watch due to his adaptability in various environments and his use of Cupid-inspired weapons and gadgets. We even witnessed the introduction of “Love Vision,” a night-vision feature with a Valentine’s theme. Josh Ruben has been bottled up from his last two more tame films, and in this one, he truly lets loose and doesn’t hold back, which becomes clear in the first ten minutes. There’s a death in the film that I’m confident will make everyone’s list of the “Top Ten Deaths in Horror Movies of 2025.”
Final Thoughts:
Heart Eyes may have surpassed Valentine (2001) and My Bloody Valentine (1981/2009) as the go-to slasher film for the romantic holiday. While it may not have the same impact as Scream (1996), which cleverly deconstructed the slasher genre, it does possess a level of rewatchability that many of its peers lack. Directed boldly by Josh Ruben and featuring an innovative script from the creators of Freaky (2020), Heart Eyes promises to be one of the most enjoyable horror movies of the year. It’s the perfect film to watch with your date, serving as a reminder that public displays of affection can have consequences. So next time you lean in for a kiss, just remember who might be watching.
4/5
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Ever since my mom took me to go see The Blair Witch Project in theaters when I was 7 years old I’ve been obsessed with not just movies but the horror genre. When I’m not watching movies you can find me thrifting, attending a local horror convention, or collecting physical media. I attended the University of Central Florida with a degree in Cinema Studies and use my degree to rant about movies online.
MY FAVORITE MOVIES: The Cabin in the Woods, Cabaret, Seven Samurai, The Blair Witch Project, Inglourious Basterds