These days, holidays and horror films seem to complement each other like peanut butter and chocolate. Back in the day, films such as “Friday the 13th,” “Halloween,” and “Black Christmas” offered chilling twists on cherished annual events. In more recent times, productions like “Thanksgiving,” “Terrifier 3,” and “Trick ‘r Treat” have embraced the essence of each season with their gruesome depictions of gore and entrails. The latest slasher film, “Heart Eyes,” may not bear the name “Valentine’s Day,” but it certainly has the potential to claim that title under pressure. So, will “Heart Eyes” join the ranks of classic, seasonal slashers?
The movie “Heart Eyes” tells the tale of Ally (played by Olivia Holt), a marketing specialist whose recent campaign has an eerie twist – it’s attracting a mysterious, deadly killer. This slasher, known only as the holiday killer, seems to have a taste for targeting couples. Ally and her potential partner Jay (Mason Gooding) find themselves in this chilling predicament after a series of unfortunate events. As they frantically try to evade the relentless masked assailant, “Heart Eyes” is certain to leave a path of bloodshed behind it.
As a fervent admirer of Josh Ruben’s work, I was eagerly anticipating his latest creation, “Heart Eyes.” Known for his innovative contributions to the horror-comedy genre with films like “Werewolves Within” and “Scare Me,” I was hopeful that “Heart Eyes” would continue this tradition. However, upon viewing, I found myself a bit underwhelmed by its apparent adherence to traditional slasher tropes for a Valentine’s Day-themed horror. Despite the film’s evident passion and effort, it seemed more like satisfying an existing craving rather than introducing a groundbreaking addition to the horror genre.
This doesn’t mean that Heart Eyes lacks its appealing aspects. In fact, Gooding and Holt display an impressive chemistry in this film as they engage in dinner, a fight with a potentially unstable individual (or individuals), throughout the lighthearted 90-minute duration. The comedic background of director Ruben is evident here, as there are some genuinely funny moments scattered throughout. The humor and commentary pack a punch during the movie, although viewers seeking horror might be slightly underwhelmed in terms of scares.
In a fresh twist, “Heart Eyes” has added a traveling terror to its repertoire, rather than confining the stalker to a single location such as an abandoned summer camp or a rundown suburban neighborhood. This masked killer with a vendetta against couples seems to surface in a new city every Valentine’s Day in recent years, offering a unique spin on traditional slasher films. The latest horror movie also introduces social media aspects, although it appears that this element could have been developed more thoroughly.
In this era of Art the Clown and the Smile Demon, viewers are anticipating a dose of intense violence from their horror icons. Regrettably, one of Heart Eyes‘s most impactful kill scenes is unveiled in promotional materials, to the extent that posters highlight this particular kill. Although the finale is drenched in blood, the villain could have been more imaginative with the gore and violence. On a creative note, the killer’s design lacks the iconic quality of characters like Jason Voorhees, Freddy Krueger, or Michael Meyers, as his glowing eyes are arguably the only truly remarkable aspect of his appearance.
With Heart Eyes, it doesn’t strive to revolutionize the horror genre but provides an enjoyable watch that fits snugly within its niche. It blends humor and emotion effectively, yet there are noticeable flaws in its bid to establish a fresh horror figurehead. If you’re seeking a fun, serviceable slasher movie, Heart Eyes could be worth your investment of time.
Rating: 3 out of 5
Heart Eyes releases in theaters on February 7th.
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2025-01-31 21:09