Valentine’s Day Gets a Hilarious Horror Twist in ‘Heart Eyes’!

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The movie titled “Heart Eyes” gleefully satirizes Valentine’s Day with a hilarious, gory spectacle that mocks traditional romantic comedies. With its tongue firmly in cheek, this slasher film dives headfirst into overused horror clichés and emerges grinning wickedly. The movie doesn’t take itself too seriously, incorporates sharp wit in its dialogue, and amplifies the violence to meet fans’ bloodthirsty expectations. Though the storyline is nonsensical outside of the main concept, it doesn’t entirely hinder enjoyment.

A strong bond between talented actors keeps you hooked when logic tries to interfere with the bloody entertainment.

Gruesome Slasher Fun

A couple, both amusing yet aggravating, pose for a memorable moment amidst a picturesque vineyard backdrop during their joyous event. However, an uninvited guest has ulterior motives. Chaos erupts with shrieks, pursuits, and a gruesome demise as our mysterious adversary leaves behind a recognizable symbol. Simultaneously, media outlets in Seattle are issuing alerts about the Heart Eyes Killer (HEK), reminiscent of the infamous BTK killings. The Valentine’s Day murderer, who had previously targeted Boston and Philadelphia, now poses a danger on the West Coast.

At a nearby coffee shop, recently heartbroken ad executive Ally (Olivia Holt) is dejectedly swiping through social media, as her ex-boyfriend publicly moves on with someone new. A peculiar drink order sends Ally on a quest, where she unexpectedly meets an attractive customer. Meanwhile, Monica (Gigi Zumbado), her workmate and confidante, observes Ally’s hasty exit in awkwardness. With work looming, Ally has no luxury to entertain flirtations.

Ally’s boss criticizes her severely for a failed advertising project in front of everyone at work. To rectify the situation, she’s brought in a consultant. A mysterious man who was involved in an incident with Ally at the coffee shop catches her eye again when he asks her out for dinner to discuss a new approach. Meanwhile, on TV, it’s reported that HEK has murdered another couple within the city.

A Likable Pair of Protagonists

Director Josh Ruben, recognized for his work in horror comedies (Scare Me, Werewolves Within), emphasizes the importance of relatable protagonists in his films. To keep viewers invested, it’s crucial to evoke feelings of concern or empathy towards the intended victims. If we don’t care about them, their survival seems pointless and their deaths are just forgettable background events. Choosing Holt and Mason for key roles in this film was a smart move, as their likability plays a significant part in audience engagement.

In stark contrast, Ally and Jay embody the extremes in their pursuit of companionship. Disillusioned by love, Ally views it as an illusion or a myth, believing that all relationships inevitably crumble due to infidelity, boredom, or the unavoidable passage of time. On the other hand, Jay is a hopeless romantic who believes in fate and destiny. His casual flirtation with Ally and subsequent encounter at work suggests an auspicious connection, leading him to think they were meant for each other, despite Ally’s reservations. It makes one ponder what past experiences could bring them together and soften their contrasting perspectives on love.

A Valentine’s Day Massacre

In a playful twist, the movie “Heart Eyes” takes advantage of a cliche and sweet situation for a brutal murder rampage in typical settings. You’ll find yourself chuckling as they’re chased through a busy street and then mysteriously wind up in an eerie, abandoned warehouse – it feels like they’ve been transported straight to a deadly maze with ominous corners and flashing neon lights. However, Ruben and his team seem uninterested in providing any sort of explanation for these abrupt changes in scenery. The main characters, a good-looking girl and guy, stumbling around cluelessly, is just par for the course in horror films.

The HEK costume is a constant source of laughter. The enigmatic attacker dons heart-shaped red goggles, throws knives with the precision of a circus artist, and uses a crossbow more effectively than Robin Hood on his finest day. Ruben hints at the assassin’s identity as another nod to traditional masked killers. One of the characters is the perpetrator. Can you figure out who it is? The revelation might not shock you, but it won’t be entirely expected. The WTF elements align perfectly with the story’s blend of brutal kicks and amusement.

Humor Over Horror

Heart Eyes‘s main issue lies in its tendency to prolong scenes beyond their impact, making them repetitive and less effective. Characters often find themselves stuck in situations, struggling to escape while the scene continues, creating a sense of endlessness that resembles a deli slicer at a sausage convention. This is intended to be humorous, but the joke becomes tiresome by the second act and transforms into unnecessary extra content. Given its runtime of around 90 minutes, this isn’t ideal.

1. The special effects team manages to blend campy style with realistic elements effectively, resulting in a violent spectacle that is both entertainingly gruesome and creatively unique.

2. Although I typically dislike excessive gore, the film’s brutal romance theme is purposeful and well executed, making it an exception to my rule.

3. Viewers who are seeking intense horror experiences should keep their expectations in check. While there are a few jump scares, they may not be as terrifying as some might anticipate. However, the humor in this film is spot-on and deserves praise.

4. The movie “Heart Eyes” is a collaboration between Spyglass Media Group and Divide/Conquer and will hit theaters on February 7th, courtesy of Screen Gems.

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2025-01-31 17:02