Heart Eyes Synopsis: When the “Heart Eyes Killer” strikes Seattle, a pair of co-workers pulling overtime on Valentine’s Day are mistaken for a couple by the elusive couple-hunting killer. Now, they must spend the most romantic night of the year running for their lives.
Heart Eyes is a romantic slasher film – bet you didn’t expect that, huh? – that revolves around Ally (Olivia Holt), a jewelry designer trying to move past a rough breakup. When she agrees to go on a “work” date with Jay Simmons (Mason Gooding), the charming new consultant at her company, things donât unfold as they anticipate. What Ally doesnât realize is that her city has just become the hunting ground for the “Heart Eyes Killer,” a masked murderer notorious for targeting happy couples every Valentineâs Day.
Marketed as a horror rom-com, Heart Eyes effectively combines elements of both genres. The film creates an eerie atmosphere with rainy streets, dimly lit apartments, and an unsettling synth soundtrack. While there are a few clever kills reminiscent of classic slasher films, Heart Eyes emphasizes tension over bloodshed, which may be a disappointment to some horror fans who expect more intense violence and less reliance on jump scares.
Olivia Holt delivers a grounded and likable performance as Ally, blending warmth with a slow-building sense of paranoia as she realizes they are being hunted. Mason Gooding adds just the right amount of ambiguity to Jay, keeping the audience guessing about his true motives. At least for me, I was finding myself hoping he wasn’t in cahoots with the Heart Eyes Killer, given the great romantic chemistry between him and Ally, and the possibility of a happy ending.
However, my disappointment with Heart Eyes lies in the reveal of the killer. For those paying attention, itâs relatively easy to figure out who the killer is, and their motivation for the murders feels somewhat weak. Additionally, some of the choices made by Ally and Jay can be frustrating and illogical, which I assume is part of the horror clichĂŠs the film is paying homage to. While I enjoyed most of the film, the final act didnât quite meet my expectations.
Still, Heart Eyes remains a moody and watchable blend of horror and romance, elevated by two appealing leads and a killer who leaves a lasting impression. It doesnât reinvent either genre, but it provides a suitably eerie viewing experience for Valentineâs Day, with a touch of heart, even if that heart is a bleeding one.
Watched: 02/23/2025
Notable Song: Happy Valentine’s Day by Outkast
