'Heart Eyes' review: Holiday themed slasher spreads the bloody love
Courtesy of Sony
Hot on the heels of Eli Roth’s blood-soaked “Thanksgiving,” another holiday-themed slasher makes its way onto the scene with the aptly timed “Heart Eyes”—a clever and inventive film that bakes its cake and eats it too. If that cake were covered in human remains and served with a side of self-aware gobbledygook, of course. Yes, “Happy Death Day” screenwriter Christopher Landon, alongside co-writers Philip Murphy and Michael Kennedy (who also contributed to the holiday-themed “It’s A Wonderful Knife”), fully understand the genre tropes and the sandbox they're playing in. But beneath all the bloodshed (and trust me, there’s a lot), director Josh Ruben still manages to find a sweetness, thanks to two charming leads—Olivia Holt and Mason Gooding—who anchor the film's romantic elements and keep you invested in their journey.
Plus it’s got a great hook: a masked killer sporting illuminated red heart-shaped eyes, disemboweling couples on Valentine’s Day. It’s like if Jason Voorhees showed up with a bouquet of flowers.
Though the Heart Eyes Killer (HEK for short) has made his way to Seattle, starting off with a classic opening sequence where he chases and kills a couple mid-proposal, it doesn’t stop Ally (Holt) from stressing over an ad campaign for a jewelry company. Her latest pitch—featuring lovers dying—hasn't gone over well, especially with a killer on the loose, and her boss (a memorable Michaela Watkins) calls in reinforcements: a charismatic freelancer named Jay (Gooding) to help salvage the project.
From the moment they lock eyes, it’s clear Ally and Jay are meant to be, even though they’ve got the anti-romantic thing down to a science. Jay’s only in town for one night (on V-Day, no less), and after a contentious dinner, Ally plants a smooch on him. This sparks the interest of the HEK, who begins tormenting and stalking the pair, even though they technically aren’t together—yet. But you can probably guess how that’ll unfold by the end.
Despite its predictability and hokey meta-jokes (including a “Fast & Furious” quip aimed at a character played by Jordana Brewster, and a nod to “Final Destination” with the casting of Devon Sawa), “Heart Eyes” delivers plenty of bloody thrills and suspense. Sure, there are red herrings, and by the time the big reveal arrives (in a St. Valentine cathedral, no less!), it might feel a bit muted. But I appreciate Landon and his team taking a swing at an “Urban Legend”-meets-“Scream” vibe.
Holt and Gooding’s impeccable chemistry makes their interactions fun to watch as they run, crawl, and face off against a series of wild slasher sequences. The HEK clearly has a kink for dismantling couples, and a particularly memorable scene set in a winery and a drive-in theater keeps the blood flowing, all while Ally and Jay grow closer amid the chaos. “Heart Eyes” continues the recent streak of entertaining slashers from Spyglass Media Group (they produced “Thanksgiving” and the recent “Scream” sequels). They’ve clearly got the formula and talent locked down—but maybe they should steer clear of St. Patrick’s Day.
Grade: B
HEART EYES is now playing in theaters.