Despite starting off a bit too extravagantly with an over-the-top proposal scene involving an influencer couple, the movie “Heart Eyes” soon picks up speed as it delves into a series of thrilling love-related incidents. Directed by Josh Ruben and written by Phillip Murphy, Christopher Landon, and Michael Kennedy, this film masterfully combines elements from romantic comedies with those from slasher movies, creating an engaging blend of the sweetly sinister. The result is reminiscent of a mix between “They Came Together,” “Scream,” and “Scary Movie.” Packed with self-aware humor and gory kill sequences, this film captivates audiences with its quick-witted charm.
After a showy start with an excessive proposal scene, the movie “Heart Eyes” gains momentum with exciting love-related events. It’s a clever mix of romantic comedies and slasher movies, featuring witty self-aware humor and gory scenes.
28-year-old marketing executive Ally (played by Olivia Holt) hasn’t moved on from her ex-boyfriend, and it’s been several months since their breakup. In her spare time, she finds herself scrolling through his Instagram posts, a lonely and melancholic habit. Despite her friend Monica’s (Gigi Zumbado) attempts to change her negative thoughts, Ally is worried about losing her job due to her tough-talking boss Crystal (Michaela Watkins). Unfortunately for Ally, her latest advertising campaign, featuring doomed love stories from movies, has been released just as the Heart Eyes Killer reappears in Seattle, targeting romantic couples. The public is criticizing Ally, but she’s given another opportunity to redeem herself by collaborating with the company’s “consumer cupid,” Jay (Mason Gooding), whom she accidentally bumped into earlier while both were ordering coffee.
Ally plans to work out a fresh plan with Jay during their upscale dinner later tonight, although she’s aware that it’s Valentine’s Day and the eatery is filled with couples in love. Her blunt criticisms spoil the evening for him. However, things are set to take a turn for the worse. The mysterious villain, immersed in his murderous rampage, notices the couple sharing a passionate kiss as revenge towards Ally’s ex. Their palpable connection catches the attention of Heart Eyes, leading him to follow them home and potentially target them as his next victims. Close behind is detective duo Jeanine Shaw (played by Jordana Brewster) and Zeke Hobbs (portrayed by Devon Sawa), who are hell-bent on capturing the killer before he can commit another murder.
Typically, there’s a significant overlap between romantic comedies and horror movies in terms of actions and scenes that are endearing in romance films can be ominous in slasher flicks. Ruben and his team skillfully exploit this connection, seamlessly blending the two contrasting moods to amuse us and keep us on our toes. The humor and suspense are presented in an original and amusing manner, from Ally’s unexpected encounter with Heart Eyes hidden in her untidy apartment’s closet at an awkward moment, to her heartfelt conversation with Jay as they find shelter in a peculiar, kinky couple’s van. As common plot devices like makeover sequences, arguments over lies, and the race against time to reach the airport (found in many rom-coms) occur, they take on a fresh, suspenseful twist.
Romantic journeys are filmed in beautiful settings such as a charming vineyard, rich botanical garden, whimsical carousel, and an outdoor cinema showing “His Girl Friday”. However, the footage carries a chilling tone reminiscent of “I Know What You Did Last Summer”, using eerie lighting effects, foggy environments, and mysterious wardrobe choices to hint at the constant, menacing presence of an unseen figure. Cinematographer Stephen Murphy skillfully navigates between the color schemes of these ever-changing characters’ realms, transitioning seamlessly from bright and vibrant to dark and harsh.
In a heart-pounding way, Ruben crafts every death scene uniquely, adding unexpected flair. For instance, when Heart Eyes wades through a horde of victims, CGI blood splatters splatter across the camera lens, giving it an intense, up-close feel. One particularly chilling moment is when a hole in a head serves as a gruesome, bloodshot eye fixated on Ally’s fear.
Ruben also experiments with perspective changes, offering glimpses of Heart Eyes’ infrared vision during scenes that seamlessly blend the experience of playing a first-person shooter video game and “The Terminator.” Even the romantic elements are skillfully integrated, blending Jay’s slow-motion walk towards Ally with the chaos swirling around them.
Actress Holt, who shone brightly in last year’s time-travel slasher film “Totally Killer,” is ideal for leading roles. She possesses all the necessary qualities, bringing to life a charming yet tough, and emotionally vulnerable heroine. Her performance seamlessly blends humor and suspense with captivating energy. There’s no denying the authentic chemistry she shares with co-star Gooding, as another character in the movie acknowledges.
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The duo ignites the screen, instilling a strong desire for their success. Gooding, who hasn’t had much scope to display his range in the recent “Scream” sequels, is captivatingly charismatic, infusing his character with both tenderness and resilience. Zumbado is truly astonishing, commanding attention during her limited screen appearances. She elicits the most laughter through her flawless comedic timing, particularly when she delivers a heartfelt pep talk to Ally, referencing various romantic comedy titles.
While there are certainly praiseworthy aspects to this work, it does have some issues that need addressing. The story seems to lag in parts during the police station interrogation scene. It’s difficult to believe that the detectives would seriously suspect Jay as the culprit; instead, it appears to be a plot device to provide more screen time for the detectives, introduce additional characters, and allow Heart Eyes to lurk within the shadows of the building’s hidden corners. The reference to “Fast & Furious” with the detectives’ names, Hobbs and Shaw, and the subsequent joke about their lack of movie knowledge is quite obvious and predictable. Furthermore, Shaw’s dating app problems seem to serve no purpose other than to fill out the story without contributing significantly to the plot.
In essence, “Heart Eyes” leaves us both enchanted and uncomfortable at times. It’s an intelligent and satisfying piece that certainly stirs up heartfelt emotions within us, whether it be by the end of the movie or even during the mid-credit scene.
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2025-01-31 17:17