Film Review - Heart Eyes
Images courtesy of Paramount Pictures Australia.
Josh Ruben's latest film Heart Eyes is a delightful throwback to the straightforward charm of late 2000s slashers, set against the backdrop of Valentine's Day. The film follows Ally (Olivia Holt), a marketing exec still licking her wounds from a breakup, who meets Jay (Mason Gooding), a charming "consumer cupid" tasked with creating a new ad campaign alongside her. As Jay and Ally’s will-they-won’t-they romance begins to blossom, the notorious Heart Eyes Killer sets their sights on the duo.
From the get-go, Heart Eyes grabs your attention with its enjoyable mixture of humor, horror and heart. Ruben skillfully adds a touch of romance to offset scenes of gruesome violence, making for a decent watch that feels both familiar and fresh. This is a concoction that we've seen work out well for films like Jennifer's Body and Spontaneous, and it's almost surprising more films aren't jumping on the trend as the market for date movies outside of streaming seems fairly vacant. Holt and Gooding's chemistry is surprisingly magnetic, their interactions brimming with a warmth that makes their on-screen romance believable, even if the writing can come off as a bit contrived at times.
However, the script's killer secret lies in the embracing of its ridiculous tone. The script from Christopher Landon and Michael Kennedy certainly draws from the duo’s prior efforts on Freaky and Landon's work on the Happy Death Day films, leaning into the absurdity, which allows the audience to get on board with the film's sillier aspects, evening out rough patches that would sink a lesser film. This balance of self-awareness and sincerity takes Heart Eyes to the top echelon of popcorn horror flicks, perfect for horror fans looking to unwind with some laughs. Most of the comedic beats hit just right, adding a layer of charm to the carnage that should keep the majority of viewers engaged throughout, while ensuring the film remains approachable for both seasoned horror fans and newcomers alike.
The slasher elements are where Heart Eyes really shines among its contemporaries. The kills are creative and satisfyingly bloody, delivering exactly what fans of the genre crave without going to the extent of Damien Leone's Terrifier films, yet delivering a body count that easily outnumbers both of the recent additions to the Scream franchise. Ruben's joint backgrounds in horror (his previous features Scare Me and Werewolves Within) and comedy (web series Funny Or Die and Dropout, as well the previously mentioned films) is evident in these scenes, which are both inventive and well-executed, paying homage while also playing around with the tropes of the genre, effectively having its cake and eating it too without ever needing to self-consciously call attention to what it's doing.
All that is to say, Heart Eyes isn't without its flaws. The reveal of the Heart Eyes Killer’s identity is a bit lackluster, feeling somewhat underwhelming after the journey to get to the finale. But, this is a minor gripe in an otherwise entertaining film, and to its credit, the film never tries to oversell the whodunnit aspect. The movie succeeds in delivering a fun and engaging experience, offering a blend of romance, comedy, and horror that keeps viewers invested until the end. Holt and Gooding's performances are the heart of the film, selling the sweeter side despite the lameness of their initial dinner date.
In conclusion, Heart Eyes is certainly a commendable addition to the horror-comedy genre, offering a refreshing take on the slasher formula without reinventing the wheel. Its ability to balance tones makes it a standout film that's perfect for a fun time with friends, or maybe even that special someone. While the concoction isn't quite up to the gold standard of Scream (1996), the film's ridiculous tone means it remains engaging even through the rougher points. Josh Ruben's direction - combined with endearing performances from the cast - make Heart Eyes a film with a lot to love.
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Heart Eyes is screening in cinemas from Thursday the 13th of February. For tickets and more info, click here.