Rating: 7/10
Going into “Heart Eyes,” it seemed as if the new horror film directed by Josh Ruben would be a disappointing, overly similar slasher with a goofy premise. However, the film subverts all expectations, leaving viewers laughing at the chaos on screen.
“Heart Eyes” takes place in Seattle, where the so-called Heart Eyes Killer plans to hunt and murder couples on Valentine’s Day. Ally (Olivia Holt), a hopeless romantic dedicated to her job, finds herself in the killer’s sights when she goes out for a business dinner with Jay (Mason Gooding) for a new marketing campaign. The two argue about their way of working and judge each other’s love lives.
Although they aren’t a couple, the Heart Eyes Killer targets Jay and Ally after she kisses him to make her ex jealous. With their lives on the line, they put aside their differences to end the Heart Eyes Killer’s murder streak once and for all.
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Holt and Gooding do a great job portraying the characters, and their chemistry shines throughout the film. They work well together, and their banter helps keep up the pace in a movie that takes its time transitioning between scenes. Both actors also have a great amount of romantic tension, which adds to the movie’s dedication to its Valentine’s Day theme.
As for the film’s titular villain, the Heart Eyes Killer didn’t stand out much. Their only distinct feature is the light-up, heart-shaped eyes, which really shine when they appear.
It’s a shame the eyes rarely light up in the film. Most of the scenes rely on a flesh-toned mask and a standard costume that barely rivals Jason Voorhees of “Friday the 13th.”
At least this was better than the original plan. It intended the killer would wear a mask of dating show host Chuck Woolery, similar to how Michael Myers’ mask in “Halloween” originated from actor William Shatner.
In an interview with Bloody Disgusting, screenwriter Philip Murphy explained why they had to change the mask’s design.
“It was supposed to be Chuck Woolery but rest in peace, he recently passed away,” Murphy said. “But it was a Chuck Woolery mask, and I thought I could probably do better than that. Nobody really knows who he is, outside of ’80s kids.”
The killer’s reveal doesn’t do the movie any favors — it seemingly comes out of nowhere and doesn’t make much sense considering how the killer targets his victims. Instead, it comes off as an attempt at comedy rather than a proper way to connect the narrative.
Where the killer lacks in looks and their reveal, they make up for it with their kills. There’s a little bit of everything for horror fans, ranging from your standard slashings to the over-the-top dismemberment that makes viewers squint in disgust.
Although “Heart Eyes” suffers from some questionable story beats, there’s no denying that Holt and Gooding carry the film with their performances and inventive kills that are sure to please horror fans, both new and old.
If you’re looking to spend Valentine’s Day with someone or on your own at the movies, “Heart Eyes” is a fine way to celebrate the holiday.
