Heart Eyes (2025) – A Valentine’s Day Slasher with a Twist
Heart Eyes is a unique Valentine’s Day-themed slasher film directed by Josh Ruben, written by Phillip Murphy, Christopher Landon, and Michael Kennedy, and starring Olivia Holt and Mason Gooding. The film ambitiously blends romantic comedy with slasher horror, creating an intriguing mix that aims to deliver both heart-pounding suspense and swoon-worthy romance.
Plot Summary
The story follows Ally McCabe (Olivia Holt), an advertising executive who has sworn off romance after a bad breakup. She meets Jay Simmonds (Mason Gooding), a charming and mysterious stranger who orders the same type of coffee as her. Their budding relationship is interrupted by the “Heart Eyes” killer, a masked murderer who targets couples on Valentine’s Day. As Ally and Jay try to survive the killer’s attacks, they must navigate their unresolved feelings for each other.
Strengths
- Chemistry Between Leads: Olivia Holt and Mason Gooding share a natural and engaging chemistry, making their interactions one of the film’s highlights.
- Humor and Tension: The film successfully balances humor and tension, particularly in the early scenes where Ally and Jay’s banter is both witty and charming.
- Unique Killer Design: The “Heart Eyes” killer’s design, with exaggerated heart-shaped eyes, adds a memorable and eerie touch to the film.
Weaknesses
- Inconsistent Tone: The film struggles to maintain a consistent tone, with comedic moments often feeling at odds with the brutal kills.
- Predictable Plot: The central mystery and twists are often telegraphed, making the supposed revelations underwhelming.
- Underdeveloped Characters: Some characters, particularly the detectives investigating the killer, feel underdeveloped and serve mainly to dump exposition.
Conclusion
Heart Eyes is a fun and entertaining film that offers a fresh take on the slasher genre with its Valentine’s Day twist. While it has its flaws, particularly in balancing its genres and developing its plot, the chemistry between the leads and the unique killer design make it worth a watch for fans of both horror and romance.