Heart Eyes Review

Josh Ruben’s Heart Eyes wants to be a lot of things at once: a self-aware horror-comedy, a playful jab at romantic tropes, and a blood-soaked slasher that takes Valentine’s Day to gory new heights. In some ways, it succeeds. In others, it stumbles, much like a lovesick fool running from a knife-wielding maniac in impractical shoes. While its mix of humor, horror, and heart (literally and figuratively) makes for an entertaining ride, Heart Eyes ultimately can’t decide if it’s embracing or skewering its own sentimentality.

The story follows Ally (Olivia Holt), a disillusioned advertising exec who lands in hot water after pitching a campaign that romanticizes doomed lovers — a bad move in a world where a real-life masked killer has been making Valentine’s Day a bloodbath for years. Enter Jay (Mason Gooding), a charming creative hotshot brought in to salvage the campaign and, against Ally’s better judgment, infiltrate her icy exterior. Their dynamic — a battle between cynicism and romantic optimism — keeps the film engaging even when the script wavers. The duo’s chemistry is enjoyable enough, though it leans more on the side of convention than cleverness, sometimes feeling like a parody of the rom-com formula rather than a reinvention of it.

The Heart Eyes killer himself makes for a visually striking villain, donning a glowing red-eyed mask that sits somewhere between emoji and nightmare fuel. His presence, however, lacks the distinct personality needed to make him a true genre standout. Unlike the wry menace of Ghostface or the eerie silence of Michael Myers, Heart Eyes doesn’t bring much beyond a thematic gimmick — murdering couples — without a clear philosophy or twisted logic to make him feel iconic. At times, he seems to be punishing performative love (like influencer couples), but the film never fully commits to this idea, making his motivations murky at best.

Where the movie shines is in its kills. Ruben crafts set pieces that are as inventive as they are gruesome, delivering R-rated carnage with a knowing wink. Cupid’s arrows to the face, flagpoles through the chest, and one particularly brutal drive-in scene ensure that Heart Eyes never skimps on the bloodshed. The balance of humor and horror works best in these moments, with the absurdity of romance clashing beautifully with the brutality of slasher violence.

However, Heart Eyes can’t always keep its tone in check. It sometimes leans too hard into parody, making certain comedic bits feel like they belong in a Saturday Night Live skit rather than a cohesive film. A bizarre Fast & Furious reference, an unnecessary fashion show sequence, and some over-the-top millennial humor detract from what could have been a sharper, more focused movie. The script, co-written by Phillip Murphy, Christopher Landon, and Michael Kennedy, often plays its ironic detachment as a safety net, refusing to fully commit to the sincerity or cynicism it flirts with.

Despite its flaws, Heart Eyes is a fun, fast-paced horror flick with enough blood, banter, and absurdity to keep audiences entertained. It doesn’t reinvent the holiday slasher, but it delivers on its promise of gory, tongue-in-cheek thrills. Whether you’re in love, heartbroken, or just in it for the carnage, there’s something here for everyone. Just don’t expect it to woo you completely.