Josh Ruben’s Heart Eyes is the latest slasher film to slice its way onto the big screen. In the spirit of 1981’s My Bloody Valentine, Heart Eyes follows a masked serial killer known as “Heart Eyes Killers”. Like Cupid, Heart Eyes uses deadly arrows to kill his victims. For several years Heart Eyes has been brutally murdering couples on Valentine’s Day. After causing carnage in Boston and Philadelphia, he’s set his eyes on Seattle for this year’s killing spree.

One-part romantic comedy satire and one-part slasher, the story follows Ally (Olivia Holt), and Jay (Mason Gooding). After their work meet-cute dinner turns sour, they’re mistaken for a couple and become the latest target of Heart Eyes.

The couple/not couple at odds with each other and are forced to work together to survive Heart Eyes.

Heart Eyes is not a typical horror film. It’s self aware horror film that blends multiple genres. It’s satirical and funny with horror elements sprinkled throughout. The core of the film functions as a couple surviving a nightmare encounter with a serial killer. However, the surrounding elements are much lighter and funnier – there are a few laugh-out-loud moments. Heart Eyes slashing and cutting through people is juxtaposed with two twenty somethings on a date (or date from Hell) through various romantic locations.

The best part of Heart Eyes is how self-aware the film is, however, the real magic of Heart Eyes is it never feeling to scary or too silly. Director Josh Ruben along with writers Phillip Murray, Christopher Landon, and Devon Sawa found the right balance to produce a wildly entertaining horror film.

Ally and Jay both fall for traditional horror tropes and immediately stumble into romantic comedy tropes moments later. The best example of how unserious the film is at times is a needle drop during the climax of the third act. When Ally and Jay are walking towards the camera before the fight of their lives, “Please Don’t Go” by KC and the Sunshine Band plays. The song is suited for a romantic comedy and not a horror film about a deadly serial killer, yet it works perfectly for Heart Eyes.

Heart Eyes is smart, satirical, and satisfying to horror fans. The movie is full of great comedy and some really good kills. If you enjoy films like Werewolf Within (2021) or Happy Death Day (2017), Heart Eyes is a film you’ll enjoy.

Grade: B+