I think many of us attending the Secret Screaming knew what the film was going to be, but still, as the title card appeared for Heart Eyes there were a few people who seemed to be surprised and happy about what was being shown, only one person walked out after about 10 minutes into the screening or should that be “screaming”!
A masked maniac with glowing, red eyes returns every Valentine’s Day to terrorize unsuspecting couples. The film starts with a couple in a wonderful location showing their love for each other before they get engaged, this opening with its twist is very much how most of Heart Eyes plays with several moments that you think are one thing and it turns out to be something else, which I liked about the film.
Shortly after we get why Heart Eyes has been given an 18 certificate by the BBFC, there is no getting around it this film has some gory moments that may be a bit stomach-churning to the weak-stomached film-goer, but strangely the gory moments look nicely done and add to the horror of this slasher horror that mixes Rom-Com with horror throughout the film.
I wasn’t expecting so many comedy moments from the film, but it all works. The two leading characters, Ally McCabe (Olivia Holt, Cloak & Dagger) and Jay Simmonds (Mason Gooding, Scream VI, Fall) have good on-screen chemistry and they are great to watch on the screen as you follow their are they or aren’t they going to get together relationship.
It was great to see Devon Sawa as Detective Zeke Hobbs in the movie after following Sawa on social media and seeing how much he had been bigging up the film, I was waiting in anticipation to see his role in Heart Eyes and to see if the film was that good and it is.
Joining Sawa is Jordana Brewster as Detective Jeanine Shaw, we are introduced to both of them early on in the film and they are the leads in trying to find and stop the killer who the press has called HEK (Heart Eyes Killer). You may recognise Brewster from the Fast & Furious franchise as she plays Mia in those movies.
One of the things that I hate with some of these types of films is sometimes you are shown who the killer is straight away or not long into the film. Thankfully with Heart Eyes, you kept guessing through the film and there are plenty of moments when you think you know but then find out you were wrong before the final reveal and a twist that either makes you say, “Of course” or “What the heck!”.
If you love dark comedy horror movies then Heart Eyes is certainly one for you and if your partner is a horror fan as well then what better than a Valentine’s Night at the cinema for some bloody fun?
Heart Eyes is directed by Josh Ruben (Werewolves Within), and written by Phillip Murphy, Christopher Landon (who also produces), and Michael Kennedy. The film stars Olivia Holt, Mason Gooding, Gigi Zumbado, Michaela Watkins, Devon Sawa, and Jordana Brewster.
See Heart Eyes at UK Cinemas on February 14th.
A Gory and Fun Rom-Com-Horror to Take Your Valentines to!
Movie title: Heart Eyes (2025)
Movie description: For the past several years, the "Heart Eyes Killer" has wreaked havoc on Valentine's Day by stalking and murdering romantic couples. This Valentine's Day, no couple is safe.
Date published: February 8, 2025
Country: UK
Duration: 1h 37m
Director(s): Josh Ruben
Actor(s): Alex Walker, Lauren O'Hara, Latham Gaines
Genre: Dark Comedy, Horror
Summary
Heart Eyes is a movie that is more Rom-Com than horror, but when those horror elements come up they are worth the wait for some gory and bloody goodness!
Karen Woodham is the founder and owner of the Blazing Minds. She is also a Cinema reviewer and works with RealD 3D reviewing the latest 3D releases and IMAX, she has also had several articles published in various publications including the first edition of SFW Magazine. In 2015 she became an Award Winning Blogger and also has her website listed as one of the UK’s Top 10 Film Blogs.
