Movie Reviews

Movie Review: Josh Ruben’s “Heart Eyes” Slashes Its Way Through Horror Tropes With A Wink And A Scream

For the past several years, the “Heart Eyes Killer” has wreaked havoc on Valentine’s Day by stalking and murdering romantic couples. This Valentine’s Day, no couple is safe.

Upon viewing the initial promotional material for “Heart Eyes,” its classification as a slasher film was immediately apparent. Opting to approach the press screening with minimal preconceptions proved advantageous, particularly in an era where trailers frequently divulge excessive plot details. This deliberate restraint enhanced the viewing experience considerably.

Unlike recent cinematic offerings such as “Emilia Pérez” and “The Brutalist,” which prioritize social commentary over entertainment value, “Heart Eyes” embraces its role as pure entertainment. It demonstrates how the slasher genre, when executed with precision, can deliver enthralling audience engagement.

The narrative centers on a disturbing pattern of Valentine’s Day murders across the United States, perpetrated by an enigmatic figure known as HEK (Heart Eyes Killer), distinguished by the distinctive heart-shaped emblems adorning his mask. Seattle becomes the killer’s latest hunting ground, casting a shadow of fear over the city. The plot follows Ally (portrayed by Olivia Holt), a marketing professional who finds herself collaborating with new colleague Jay (Mason Gooding) on salvaging a failed campaign. Their professional dinner meeting takes an ominous turn when they become the killer’s newest targets, transforming their evening into a desperate fight for survival.

“Heart Eyes” positions itself within the legacy of successful horror-comedy hybrids such as “Happy Death Day” and its sequel while drawing inspiration from both “Scream” and the “Scary Movie” franchise. Though more subtle in its satirical approach than “Scary Movie,” the film maintains a consistent awareness of its genre predecessors. The direction skillfully balances serious narrative elements with subtle genre commentary, acknowledging horror conventions while maintaining narrative integrity.

Olivia Holt delivers a compelling performance as Ally, channeling qualities reminiscent of a young Mandy Moore while establishing her own distinct screen presence. Mason Gooding transitions effectively from his previous work in the “Scream” franchise, introducing welcome comedic elements to his characterization. The supporting cast also includes fine performances from Jordana Brewster and Devon Sawa as Detectives Hobbs and Shaw (IYKYK).

The film’s strongest moments emerge during intimate dialogues between Ally and Jay as they evade their pursuer, exploring personal histories and relationship dynamics rather than dwelling exclusively on their immediate peril. This approach cleverly subverts traditional horror conventions by expanding typically brief character development scenes into substantive narrative elements.

While “Heart Eyes” occasionally oscillates between sincere horror and satirical commentary, this tonal ambiguity rarely detracts from its entertainment value. The film’s attempt to incorporate numerous genre tropes succeeds with varying degrees of success, yet it maintains audience engagement throughout. Though the execution may not be flawless, it establishes a solid foundation for potential future installments should the studio pursue a sequel.

In Theaters Friday, February 7th

 

 

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James McDonald

Originally from Dublin, Ireland, James is a Movie Critic with 40 years of experience in the film industry as an Award-Winning Filmmaker. He is also a member of the Critics Choice Association and the Dallas-Fort Worth Film Critics Association.