The director of the movie “Heart Eyes,” Josh Ruben, is known for making horror films, yet nothing could have possibly prepared him for the terrifying ordeal he went through last month.
On January 7th, mere weeks before Ruben and his wife Lauren Sick were due to settle into their ideal home in Altadena, they anxiously watched as the Eaton Fire approached their future neighborhood within Los Angeles County. With a sense of dread, they feared the worst when their security camera went dark, but on January 9th, they received confirmation that their unoccupied house had been destroyed. Quickly, friends and associates like Mark Duplass, Jordana Brewster, and Christopher Landon stepped in to help, rallying additional support from the public at large. As a result, over $75,000 was raised to assist this beloved filmmaking duo in their recovery efforts.
During this journey, Ruben managed to conquer two frequently encountered apprehensions that many people face: seeking assistance and acknowledging it graciously.
Ruben shares with The Hollywood Reporter that he finds it difficult to ask for assistance or admit he needs help. However, a valuable insight he’s gained is that self-care is valid and can involve accepting aid from your community. I’m happy he chose to accept help because we never know how long our journey will be.
2025 was set to mark a double milestone in Ruben’s life, with the fulfillment of two long-held dreams – purchasing a home and premiering his first major studio film titled “Heart Eyes”. His earlier independent productions, such as “Scare Me” (2020) and “Werewolves Within” (2021), were released amidst the global pandemic. As a result, neither movie, despite receiving positive reviews on Rotten Tomatoes, didn’t reach its full potential audience. Nevertheless, the industry acknowledged Ruben’s talent in genres, leading Michael Kennedy, co-writer of “Heart Eyes”, to offer him the opportunity to direct the script he had co-written with Landon and Phillip Murphy.
Ruben remarks, “I’m grateful that ‘Werewolves Within’ and ‘Scare Me’ have been appreciated so much that folks are asking, ‘What more might this fellow accomplish?’
The comedy-slasher movie, “Heart Eyes,” follows the story of two advertising experts, Ally (Olivia Holt) and Jay (Mason Gooding). Their seemingly professional Valentine’s Day dinner is misunderstood as a romantic rendezvous by a serial killer who preys on couples. Interestingly, Ruben presented his idea for this film on Valentine’s Day in 2024, and miraculously managed to bring it to the big screen less than a year later. At present, “Heart Eyes” is poised to shift Ruben’s recent luck, as it boasts excellent reviews at just the right moment and a broad theatrical release.
In the near future, Ruben continues working on his upcoming sci-fi horror film titled “Green Bank“, featuring Tatiana Maslany and Jasmin Savoy Brown, who starred alongside Gooding in “Scream”. However, with their home being lost and a movie promotion underway, Ruben and Sick require a break in the desert for relaxation and recuperation. (It’s worth noting that Sick served as the second unit director on “Heart Eyes” previously.)
Ruben acknowledges that we’re facing fatigue and lack of energy right now. Therefore, taking care of ourselves is undoubtedly top priority, even in this desert setting.
In their latest chat with THR, Ruben shared insights about the role of the genre community in shaping ‘Heart Eyes’, even adding a chuckle-worthy touch from filmmaker Zelda Williams.
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You’re batting a thousand.
Gosh, can’t help but laugh! It seems like every time I launch a movie, something unexpected happens: a worldwide pandemic, a forest fire, or a personal setback, to put it mildly. So, let’s hope this one turns a profit for a change. My previous films, such as “Scare Me” and “Werewolves Within,” were quite independent, but perhaps this one will provide the stability I need and help me mature as a filmmaker.
You’ve been on my mind lately as I reflect on the fact that you started off the year with two dreams on the brink of fulfillment – owning a home and releasing your first studio film. However, it seems things took a turn for the worse when you and your family faced one of life’s most devastating ordeals. Given these circumstances, I’m curious to know how you’re coping right now.
I truly appreciate your sentiment. To be completely honest, we are deeply thankful because our situation pales in comparison to those who have lost generations’ worth of possessions or families whose children have missed school. However, our own dream has been shattered as we lost our neighborhood due to the Eaton Fire, which destroyed our new home along with thousands of others just weeks before we were set to give notice on our old apartment. My wife [Lauren Sick] and I have worked tirelessly for years, saving up to buy a house, and this unfortunate event has dealt us a significant blow.
Despite everything that’s happened, we find ourselves incredibly fortunate. We’ve managed to hold onto most of our possessions and there’s an upcoming release of “Heart Eyes,” but it doesn’t diminish the reality of the loss we’ve suffered. We lost a house where we hadn’t yet created cherished memories, and that’s the aspect of the situation that frustrates me the most. Therefore, I’m grateful for this diversion of promoting the film and walking the talk by maintaining a cheerful demeanor. Truthfully, “Heart Eyes” has the potential to bring immense joy to many people. It’s the kind of movie I aspire to make so you can invite your closest friends to watch it together.
Given that your friend’s fundraiser was successful and there’s been a great reaction to Heart Eyes, have you experienced a sense of optimism or positivity lately?
Indeed, I’ve frequently pondered, “What insight should I gather from this? What am I meant to learn through these experiences?” It’s hard for me to admit when I need help or ask for something, and often, my response is a firm “No, thank you” when someone asks if I need anything. The intriguing takeaway is that it’s okay to practice self-care by accepting assistance from those around me. I’m grateful I accepted the help because we never know how long our journey will last.
Alright, let me take a step back in my journey before I got the chance to direct the Heart Eyes project. After the positive response to my second film, Werewolves Within, did that success open up an opportunity for me to share my vision for the Heart Eyes assignment?
In the aftermath of Covid, our industry was making necessary adjustments and heading towards a writers’ strike in May of 2023. During this period, I had the opportunity to propose numerous intriguing projects and take on various smaller tasks like script refining. Apart from my career in screenwriting, I also maintain a comedic presence at Dropout, an online platform founded by my long-time friend, Sam Reich. The success of Dropout has allowed me to express my comedian side within it, providing immense joy. My days have been filled with independent film projects and diverse freelance work, which I enjoy because it keeps me from being confined to one place. I produced a vampire film titled “Blood Relatives” for my friend Noah Segan, and I also revised a horror screenplay.
Things started moving forward quite nicely following the release of “Werewolves Within,” yet it’s important to remember that nothing is ever set in stone within this unpredictable industry. No one possesses a crystal ball, and I certainly don’t. However, I was grateful that both “Werewolves Within” and “Scare Me” were well-received enough for people to say, “This guy has a unique vision. What else could he possibly create?” It was my friend and co-writer/executive producer, Michael Kennedy, who introduced me to the project that eventually became “Heart Eyes.” He had been working on something with Chris Landon, and they decided I would be a great fit for it. They followed the proper procedures, but as a friendly gesture, he offered to share the script with me beforehand. That’s how it ultimately found its way into my hands.
Indeed, it was quite fitting that you presented your perspective for Heart Eyes on Valentine’s Day last year. Given the movie’s setting on that very day, did you interpret this coincidence as an indication that the stars were aligning in your favor?
It was quite an unexpected yet delightful gesture to present Gary Barber with “Heart Eyes” EP’s 4K version of “Werewolves Within” as my Valentine’s Day gift in the year 2024. I exclaimed, “Happy Valentine’s Day!”, to which he replied, “Oh, it’s Valentine’s Day? I need to call my wife.” The fact that this release is now arriving a week before Valentine’s Day next year is simply amazing, given that we started promoting it on Valentine’s Day 2024. We truly put in the hard work, and this project can be considered our labor of love, nurtured for nine long months.
Olivia Holt left me astonished when she mentioned that she hadn’t conducted a chemistry reading with Mason Gooding. In the end, it wasn’t necessary, but what prompted you two to take such a risk? Essentially, it was like setting up a high-stakes blind date worth millions.
(Laughs.) It’s true! In these kinds of movies, you’ll always hear about “the list.” People might suggest, “You need to get the most expensive, well-known person possible, and team them up with today’s Julia Roberts.” But once practicalities come into play and actors’ schedules become known, the pathway to excellent, available actors opens up. Olivia and Mason were also discovered through thorough background checks. I hadn’t worked with them before, but I have complete faith in Radio Silence. They spoke highly of Mason. My producer on Heart Eyes, Greg Gilreath, then mentioned, “I just collaborated with Olivia on Totally Killer, and she’s an absolute professional. She’s got a great sense of humor.” So it was a risk trusting them to be two good people, and there wasn’t a single problematic individual among them. I’ve been fortunate enough not to encounter any bad apples in any of my three groups. So we took the chance, and they got along well. Their chemistry is electric.
Is it your view that Olivia’s argument is sound, as she suggests we are all fed the ideal of a fairy-tale romance which creates unrealistic standards for people to meet? The characters in the movie went as far as writing and staging their engagement to keep up with these lofty expectations. Do you find yourself generally agreeing with Olivia’s impassioned speech about this topic, even though it has a somewhat cynical undertone?
In essence, I’ve never been a pessimistic person. Instead, I’ve always harbored a hopeful and romantic spirit when it comes to love. As a child, movies like “My Best Friend’s Wedding”, “Sleepless in Seattle”, and even “The Bodyguard” were my favorites. I would often plead with my mom to play the “Bodyguard” soundtrack on our car rides home from the mall. This shows that I held a romanticized view of love, perhaps because figures like Tom Hanks or Robin Williams, who were both sweet, funny, and relatable, served as my gateway into this world. However, I also had a fondness for horror characters like Freddy Krueger, which suggests a complex mix of emotions that might have led me to where I am now.
The initial encounter between Ally and Jay (Gooding) against the Heart Eyes Killer opens with Ally hurling a personal item from their bedroom towards the killer. Given that this happened during the early stages of filming, it certainly set an electrifying tone for everyone involved, didn’t it?
It turned out to be the case, as I chuckled. Thank goodness we had a female props assistant! I asked Rosie, “Could you please go over to Olivia and find out which one she prefers?”, and Olivia really appreciated it. In the end, what mattered most was that she enjoyed it, and we knew it would make for an exceptional scene. Naturally, everyone was considerate, but the situation was quite amusing.
How many throws did Olivia need on the day?
It seems clear to me that there were three incidents, but the last one left quite a mark – figuratively speaking – on our stuntman’s real-life face. Despite the protective foam mask worn by Alex [McColl], I have no doubt it would have broken his nose in actuality.
In addition to discussing other topics, we touched upon an uncomfortable scene between her and Mason, where they had a private talk inside a van belonging to a hippie couple who were discovered to be engaged in intimate activities. Since you supplied the ambient noise on that day for Olivia and Mason, could you please share your thoughts about that experience?
What a blast it was! I felt like the character Nick Bottom from A Midsummer Night’s Dream, always ready for a chance to perform with others. Whenever I could, I’d interrupt their sincere moments by blurted out “Ah,” or “My behind!” It was all in good fun, meant to bring laughter, not just me being boastful. So it turned out great and I’m happy it went as planned.
I did notice your cameo once that scene went haywire. Did you leave much time for yourself?
It seems like I’m always undervaluing myself. This happened on the movie “Scare Me”. Initially, I’d think, “That should be good enough.” However, during a peaceful drive home, I’d replay my lines in my mind and wish I had delivered them differently, saying to myself, “If only I had said it like this.” Yet, I’m constantly mindful of my team and the seemingly scarce time we have, even when there’s actually plenty.
Actor-directors often advise each other to ensure they don’t skimp on capturing different angles of a scene.
Absolutely, it seems you’re planning to allocate additional time for those who are primarily responsible. If we imagine this project as a John Wayne or Clint Eastwood production, where they are clearly in charge, I’m confident they would allow themselves some extra leeway. In essence, you want to give the main players more breathing space.
A funny moment from the movie “Hobbs & Shaw” has surfaced, and it’s intriguing given the recent public exchange between Vin Diesel and Dwayne Johnson at the Golden Globes. Since Jordana Brewster has been associated with Vin since the inception of the “Fast & Furious” series, I wondered if her character being unaware of the “Hobbs & Shaw” spinoff might reignite tension between them, given their seemingly delicate partnership. Despite this, did she still enjoy herself during that scene?
A funny scene from the movie Hobbs & Shaw has come up, and it’s interesting because of the recent disagreement between Vin Diesel and Dwayne Johnson at the Golden Globes. Since Jordana Brewster has been working with Vin since the beginning of the Fast & Furious series, I wondered if her character not knowing about the Hobbs & Shaw spinoff could lead to more problems between them, given their rocky relationship. But did she still have a good time in that scene?
She truly enjoyed her time with it. I recall watching “Fast Five” in the cinema when it first released [in 2011]. However, the joke was always there. We didn’t insert it after Jordana joined the team, and she is particularly known to me for “The Faculty.” I’ve watched “The Faculty” as many times as there are “Fast & Furious” movies, which is approximately 55. But Jordana didn’t seem to give it much thought other than a smirk. So, the fact that she and Devon [Sawa] had such great timing adds one of the film’s biggest laughs, and I’m delighted it stayed in.
It’s likely that it’s advantageous or aptly done that Jordana’s character was given the same name as Jason Statham’s character, Shaw.
Absolutely. She’s family.
Was Chris Landon one of the writer-producers for your project, and did he leave a different horror film produced by Spyglass Media Group under tense conditions a few months before you agreed to Heart Eyes? Could the circumstances surrounding Scream 7 have potentially influenced his participation in your movie?
Absolutely not contrary to what you might think! Working with Chris Landon presented an exciting prospect for us, one that we couldn’t resist. Having him associated with a project ensures it will be a fun-filled experience, and who wouldn’t want that? His involvement was one of the key factors that attracted me to this project. It felt like, “If these talented writers are on board, Chris is going to guide me as a bulldog, protector, and producer throughout this journey, along with the Divide/Conquer team, who have previously achieved success with M3GAN, Greg Gilreath and Adam Hendricks, then I’m absolutely game for it.” This collaboration was the most comforting aspect of joining this film.
Do you know if Chris smuggled anything from his version of Scream 7 into Heart Eyes?
In a similar situation, I’d make a choice just like that. I’d say something along the lines of: “If I can’t manage to launch the Darkman project and can’t equip Darkman with night vision in my version, then I might as well give this slasher character night vision instead.
I’ve heard a lot of Darkman references lately.
I believe it’s my responsibility for the mess on Twitter, where my idea to reboot something caused quite a stir (rest in peace). I shared my vision widely and came very close, but now I’ve revealed elsewhere, specifically on Bluesky, that it might not materialize. Still, I can’t hide my excitement about this project, as I have five pairs of ‘Heart Eyes’. Additionally, the directors of ‘Don’t Move’ have mentioned to me they discussed a potential ‘Darkman’ reboot with Sam Raimi.
I appreciate that Heart Eyes clarifies the details behind each murder. It’s always a point of contention among Scream fans as to who was responsible for what and when, and I’m glad you spared us from having to join those debates.
It’s fascinating to hear you mention that! You’re actually the second person who’s raised this point. While I wouldn’t go so far as to say it’s a sore point for genre enthusiasts, I do value the fact that it resonates with people. This element has been part of the script since its inception.
I wasn’t anticipating that you and Michaela Watkins would surpass the quirky character she portrayed in Werewolves Within, but you two managed to do just that. Did Bonnie Raitt serve as an inspiration for her role as the jeweler character?
In a more conversational tone:
I didn’t think you and Michaela Watkins could top her unusual character from Werewolves Within, but you both pulled it off! Was Bonnie Raitt the muse behind her jewelry store owner character?
In Chris and Michael’s script adaptation, they portrayed a character as if it were Dolly Parton, full of hatred. Michaela brilliantly brought this character to life, taking the lead in improvisation for the movie. We have an abundance of outtakes featuring her, showcasing her wit and intellectual humor that’s reminiscent of any great comedian. While Trisha from “Werewolves Within” and Crystal Cane might be related, it was Michaela’s performance that had us all in stitches, even causing Olivia Holt to crack up – a rare occurrence.
Could it be that one of the writers for “Totally Killer,” Jen D’Angelo, was credited in “Heart Eyes”? Was she perhaps invited to refine Ally’s dialogue due to her exceptional work on Olivia’s character in “Totally Killer”?
jen was hired to refine certain scenes in the movie. Since there were many men involved, we wanted to ensure a variety of viewpoints by involving a strong team. Jen contributed her exceptional creativity to numerous sequences, ranging from deepening Ally and Monica’s friendship to action and humorous moments. We took advantage of much of what she provided.
Zelda Williams is acknowledged as well, being among the initial individuals we extended an invitation to view the film within the editing suite. Her suggestion was quite unique – “Why not interrupt this sincere chat with a hint of hippie-style lovemaking in the background?” So, I took her idea and crafted the soundtrack you’re now experiencing.
I loved Lisa Frankenstein …
Me too.
So that completely tracks with her sensibility.
Yes, I will forever thank and credit Zelda for that.
Were Mike Flanagan, Kate Siegel, and Mike’s producer, Alex Magistro, among the individuals you reached out to in your communication network as well?
Indeed, one of the wonderful aspects of being part of a genre community is that people who follow you across various social media platforms often reach out to you with genuine interest and concern. At times, it can feel surprising and heartwarming when you realize that they genuinely care about your work. The community is relatively small but incredibly gracious, welcoming, and supportive; everyone seems eager to lend a helping hand.
Mike, Kate, and Alex Magistro, one of Mike’s trusted associates, extended an invitation for us to showcase our film at their residence, which boasts a stunning home theater setup. They kindly allowed us to screen the movie for them, along with a few members of our team, so we could gather their valuable feedback.
Regardless of how this project ultimately fares, if filmmakers at their level appreciate our work or anything I create, that’s the validation I aspire to receive. My ultimate goal is to earn recognition and appreciation from my community.
Last year, our community said goodbye to an important member. During the news broadcast recently, I noticed a tribute to Scott Wampler given by the criminologist. Did you happen to have him as a guest on his podcast, The Kingcast, before he passed away?
Indeed, several times now. My messages get erased after a year, which means I’ve unfortunately lost all my conversations with Scott. I spent hours reading through them when I first heard the news, and more recently when I recalled that I might still have them. Unfortunately, I realized they were gone when I visited Eric Vespe’s latest podcast, “The Spiel,” where he was discussing Scott’s legacy. We talked about how each of us is leaving our mark on our films, similar to what Flanagan did in “The Life of Chuc’k” or BenDavid Grabinski’s newest creation, “[Mike & Nick & Nick & Alice].” I find this tradition fascinating and believe Scott would have found it intriguing. However, the loss was profound. It was truly heartbreaking.
His loss is bigger than Twitter, of course, but that place isn’t the same without him.
Indeed, my belief is that he created Twitter, similar to how I envision Robin Williams if he were still with us. Imagining him engaging, joking, and commenting on this current absurdity we’re all facing, as well as the state of the world, would be a pure joy for me.
In closing, I’d like to ask about your upcoming project with Jasmin Savoy Brown, whom you’ve been working with on the Scream films, and Tatiana Maslany, Mason’s twin sister. Given your current priorities, it may not be imminent, but is there a chance that could be next for you?
Balancing multiple tasks just like everyone else, I’m deeply involved with a project titled “Green Bank” which features actresses Tatiana Maslany and Jasmin Savoy Brown. We are eagerly anticipating its production. Recently, we’ve got some fantastic news regarding our cast expansion, but the competition in the film industry is fierce. Making movies is a challenge, and it’s amazing how each one gets made. I feel incredibly fortunate to have contributed to the few films I’ve worked on in such a short period. “Green Bank” would be particularly special because it will be an opportunity to work alongside people I respect and admire, including my producer, Andy Horwitz, and his brother, Aaron Horwitz, who penned the script.
Speaking as a gamer, let’s rewind a bit to the starting point. One thing I’ve picked up along the way is self-care, which I’ve found is important even in the midst of our gaming adventures. I’ve been fortunate enough to receive some support from my online community, and it’s been great. However, we’re now facing burnout and fatigue.
I find myself thinking, “Maybe it’s time for a quick escape to a peaceful desert oasis, just to unwind, do some writing, and catch up on all the tasks I’ve been trying to tackle.” So, taking care of myself and recharging is definitely my top priority after two weeks of intense gaming about our beloved, heart-eyed psycho.
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Heart Eyes is now playing in movie theaters.
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2025-02-08 01:26