Heart Eyes (2025)
Overview
- Title: Heart Eyes
- Release Date: February 7, 2025 (Theatrical), April 15, 2025 (DVD/Blu-ray)
- Director: Josh Ruben
- Writers: Christopher Landon, Michael Kennedy, Phillip Murphy
- Runtime: 97 minutes
- Genre: Horror, Romantic Comedy, Slasher
- Distributor: Screen Gems (North America), Republic Pictures (International)
Plot Summary
Set in Seattle, Heart Eyes follows Ally McCabe (Olivia Holt), a jewelry brand pitch designer, and Jay Simmonds (Mason Gooding), a charismatic marketing consultant. After Ally's controversial ad campaign coincides with a series of Valentine's Day murders by the "Heart Eyes Killer," she and Jay are mistakenly perceived as a couple by the killer. Forced to spend the night together to survive, their journey blends horror with unexpected romance.
Main Cast
- Olivia Holt as Ally McCabe
- Mason Gooding as Jay Simmonds
- Gigi Zumbado as Ally's best friend
- Jordana Brewster as Detective Shaw
- Devon Sawa as Detective Shaw's partner
- Yoson An and Michaela Watkins in supporting roles
Themes and Tone
Heart Eyes satirizes both slasher and romantic comedy genres, delivering a self-aware narrative that critiques modern dating culture and Valentine's Day commercialization. The film balances gruesome horror elements with heartfelt romantic development between the leads.
Cinematography and Direction
Director Josh Ruben employs a blend of suspenseful horror aesthetics with the bright, polished visuals typical of romantic comedies. This juxtaposition enhances the film's satirical tone and keeps audiences engaged through its tonal shifts.
Performances
- Olivia Holt: Portrays Ally with a mix of vulnerability and resilience, capturing the character's growth from a disillusioned romantic to someone open to love.
- Mason Gooding: Delivers a charming and grounded performance as Jay, providing both comic relief and emotional depth.
- Jordana Brewster and Devon Sawa: Offer compelling performances as detectives entangled in the mystery, adding layers to the narrative.
Ending and Killer Reveal
The film culminates in a twist where the "Heart Eyes Killer" is revealed to be a duo: Detective Shaw and her partner, who orchestrated the murders to manipulate public perception and control the narrative. This revelation adds a psychological dimension to the slasher trope, emphasizing themes of deception and trust.
Critical Reception
Heart Eyes received generally positive reviews for its inventive genre fusion and sharp commentary. Critics praised the chemistry between Holt and Gooding, as well as the film's ability to balance horror and humor. Some noted that while the plot follows familiar patterns, its execution feels fresh and engaging.
FAQs
- Is Heart Eyes suitable for all audiences?
The film is rated R for strong violence, language, and some sexual content, making it unsuitable for younger viewers. - Where can I watch Heart Eyes?
As of April 15, 2025, Heart Eyes is available on DVD and Blu-ray. It is also expected to be released on streaming platforms later this year. - Does Heart Eyes have any sequels planned?
There has been no official announcement regarding a sequel, but the film's open-ended conclusion leaves room for potential follow-ups.
Trailer
You can watch the official trailer for Heart Eyes on YouTube.