The horror film landscape has introduced numerous unforgettable slashers, such as Michael Myers and Jason Voorhees. However, Heart Eyes had the potential to join those ranks but ultimately fizzles out due to a peculiar third act. Initially, I approached Heart Eyes with mixed expectations. The premise—a Valentine’s Day-themed horror flick featuring a killer named Heart Eyes with a disturbingly apt mask—seemed intriguing. Unfortunately, what unfolded was more akin to a romantic comedy peppered with graphic, violent scenes.
Directed by Josh Ruben, known for Werewolves Within, and scripted by Philip Murphy (Hitman’s Wife’s Bodyguard) in collaboration with Christopher Landon and Michael Kennedy (Freaky), Heart Eyes centers on Ally (Olivia Holt) and her accidental romantic encounter with Jay (Mason Gooding) at a coffee shop on Valentine’s Day. It turns out Jay is hired to resolve a significant mistake made by Ally’s boss, leading to an unplanned dinner date to discuss the issue. Their arrangement spirals further when Ally enlists Jay to pose as her boyfriend in front of her ex, unwittingly making them both targets of the heart-stopping killer.
The storyline attempts to juggle the budding romance between Ally and Jay while incorporating the classic tropes of slasher films—complete with jump scares, tense chase sequences through eerie locales, and a hefty dosage of bloodshed. Interwoven into this chaotic narrative is the pursuit of the enigmatic Heart Eyes, as depicted by Seattle detectives played by Devon Sawa and Jordana Brewster, humorously named Hobbs and Shaw, which feels like a diluted nod to the popular Fast & Furious franchise. Yet, the film descends into further absurdity from here.
Heart Eyes Offers an Innovative Setup, Lacks Substance
Disappointment in How the Film Misses Its Mark
Upon reflecting on Heart Eyes, it became clear that the creation of the killer’s intriguing premise preceded the development of a compelling narrative. Unfortunately, the storytelling falters significantly. In horror cinema, the psychological complexities and backstories of the killer often outweigh the mere acts of violence perpetrated. While some iconic villains, like Michael Myers, are characterized as relentless entities, others reveal nuanced motivations that enhance viewer engagement.
In the case of Heart Eyes, the revelation of the masked killer is not only anticlimactic but also bewildering. A successful horror film hinges on the depth and relatability of its antagonists—characters that can be equally captivating as the protagonists they stalk. Regrettably, the twist in this film feels contrived and lacks the careful setup needed to land effectively. It appears as though the writers hastily threw together a face and a backstory, resulting in a disappearance of suspense rather than its intended buildup.
Given these shortcomings, it’s unlikely Heart Eyes will carve out a legacy among the beloved slasher classics. This is particularly disappointing considering the film’s promising premise. It seems the focus of character development was primarily on the central duo, Ally and Jay, making it more akin to a romantic comedy. In a horror context, viewers deserve a deeper exploration of the killer’s character to feel fully engrossed.
Strong Leads in Heart Eyes & Entertaining Kills
An Appropriately Gruesome Slasher Film
Watch the trailer here
Despite its flaws, Holt and Gooding exhibit undeniable chemistry that had me rooting for their unconventional romance. While not a typical romantic comedy, their relationship has an endearing quality. Heart Eyes leans heavily into its romantic angle, creating a somewhat imbalanced atmosphere that detracts from its potential success as a horror film.
It’s crucial, however, not to overlook the movie’s graphic nature. For someone with a heightened sensitivity to gore, certain scenes elicited audible responses. The film does showcase a commendable variety of inventive kills, enhancing the killer’s uniqueness through a diverse arsenal rather than relying on predictable methods. This creativity adds a refreshing flair to the otherwise familiar slasher format.
Overall, while Heart Eyes begins with a vibrant and innovative premise, it ultimately succumbs to narrative pitfalls by its lackluster third act. Unless you have a specific fondness for romantic comedies intertwined with horror elements, it might not be worth catching on the big screen. Heart Eyes had all the makings of a captivating horror film, yet it failed to leave the audience dazzled.
Heart Eyes is rated R for strong violence and gore, language, and some sexual content.
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