Review by Jon Donnis
Heart Eyes is a refreshing twist on the romantic comedy and slasher genres, combining love, laughs, and blood in a surprisingly entertaining package. Directed by Josh Ruben, the film follows Ally (Olivia Holt), a recent breakup victim, who finds herself entangled in a deadly situation with Jay (Mason Gooding), a charming jewelry designer. As a serial killer known as the "Heart Eyes Killer" stalks Seattle, murdering couples on Valentine's Day, Ally and Jay's awkward, yet endearing, relationship takes centre stage in a series of thrilling and often funny events.
The film excels in its self-awareness, blending rom-com elements with dark humour and thrilling horror in a way that keeps viewers both entertained and on edge. Gooding and Holt deliver standout performances, with undeniable chemistry that makes their blossoming romance both heartfelt and genuinely funny. The film does a great job of poking fun at rom-com tropes while delivering some sharp, witty dialogue. While the humour lands roughly half of the time, the film's playful nature makes it easy to overlook the occasional misfire. The slasher elements, with their inventive and bloody kills, are well-executed, keeping horror fans engaged, and the tension builds nicely, especially during the final confrontation.
However, Heart Eyes does struggle with its plot, which, at times, feels unnecessarily convoluted. The film often points out its own ridiculousness, undermining the suspense with its frequent self-awareness. This can detract from the more serious aspects of the horror and leave the viewer questioning the logic behind certain plot developments. That being said, the clever kills and well-done scares more than make up for the film's occasional narrative missteps.
In the end, Heart Eyes is a fun, quirky rom-com slasher that delivers plenty of entertainment, even if its plot is occasionally silly. The film has its flaws, but the engaging performances, witty banter, and gory thrills make it a solid addition to the growing genre of romantic comedy-slashers. Fans of both genres will find something to love here, and with its knowing winks to the audience and satisfying scares, Heart Eyes stands out as a playful and enjoyable film that is sure to leave viewers both laughing and cringing in equal measure.
Rating: 7.5/10
Out now on Digital at https://apple.co/432u8BX
