Love at First Fright: Heart Eyes Slashes Its Way Into Your Heart

If you're a fan of both rom-coms and slasher flicks, Heart Eyes is the movie you didn’t know you needed. Directed by Josh Ruben, who’s made a name for himself blending horror and comedy (Scare Me, Werewolves Within), this film delivers a fresh and unexpected twist on the Valentine’s Day movie formula. It’s bloody, it’s funny, and—dare I say—it’s even romantic in its own weird, twisted way.

The story follows Ally McCabe (Olivia Holt), a cynical advertising executive tasked with revamping a major Valentine’s Day campaign. Enter Jay Simmons (Mason Gooding), a charming marketing consultant brought in to help save the company from Ally’s mistake. Sparks fly (kinda), and it seems like a classic enemies-to-lovers setup—until things take a sharp turn. A masked killer, known as the “Heart Eyes” slasher, starts targeting couples—despite Ally and Jay not being a couple.

What makes Heart Eyes stand out is how seamlessly it blends genres. The film’s opening sequence sets the tone perfectly—romantic comedy meets brutal slasher—without feeling too jarring. Ruben and his team clearly understand both genres, giving us a warm chest one moment and then hitting us with heart palpitations the next. It’s like Scream meets 10 Things I Hate About You, and somehow, it works.

Olivia Holt absolutely shines as Ally, bringing both humor and heart to the role. She’s relatable, funny, and doesn’t fall into the typical final girl trope. Mason Gooding proves once again that he’s got serious leading-man energy. The chemistry between the two is electric, making their scenes together a joy to watch—even when they’re dodging a knife-wielding killer.

Speaking of the killer, the “Heart Eyes” slasher is one of the more memorable horror villains in recent years. The heart-shaped mask is unsettling yet oddly stylish (I would know), and the way the murders are tied into romantic tropes is both clever and sick. Without spoiling too much, let’s just say that if you’ve ever been skeptical of grand romantic gestures, this movie will validate your fears—and more. 

The film also gets bonus points for being genuinely funny. Unlike many horror-comedies that lean too hard in one direction, Heart Eyes balances its humor and scares. The script is sharp, filled with witty banter and meta jokes about the horror and rom-com genres. Fans of Cabin in the Woods or Happy Death Day will appreciate its self-awareness.

Visually, the film is just as impressive. The neon-lit cityscapes, candy-colored Valentine’s decorations, and stark contrast of blood-red all come together in a way that feels both eerie and oddly beautiful. It’s clear that the filmmakers had fun with the aesthetics.

Overall, Heart Eyes is a fun, fresh, and highly entertaining ride—whether you’re a horror fan looking for a love story or a rom-com lover who enjoys a little chaos.