Heart Eyes (2025) Movie Review: A Valentine’s Date with Death!

When I first heard about a Valentine’s slasher romantic comedy, I rolled my eyes. The title, Heart Eyes, felt like it was trying too hard. But I was curious! This movie is directed by Josh Ruben, who also directed the fun horror comedy Werewolves Within. With a unique blend of campy humor and bloody scenes, I had to see if Heart Eyes could pull it off.

In the film, we meet the Heart Eyes Killer (HEK), who has been terrorizing couples on Valentine’s Day for years. If you are in a happy couple, you might want to stay indoors! This year, no couple is safe. The story follows two advertising executives, Olivia Holt and Mason Gooding, who have to work together on a campaign. However, they end up becoming HEK’s next targets!

The Characters and Their Chemistry

Holt and Gooding have great chemistry. They often argue but also flirt, making their interactions feel real and relatable. Their banter is one of the best parts of the movie. It makes you root for them to survive and maybe even get together in the end. The movie embraces its campiness, which makes it enjoyable. When it hits those cringe-worthy moments, it knows and plays along, turning the cringe into laughs.

The script is smart! It has everyday conversations that make the characters feel real. You might find yourself thinking, “I’ve said that to my friends!” This adds depth to their characters. I love how they call out typical horror movie tropes, which makes them relatable and funny. There are lots of nods to classic romcoms and horror movies, which adds to the fun. You might catch references you recognize!

Predictability and Surprises

While the movie has some predictable moments, it still keeps some surprises hidden. I guessed one big reveal early on, but it didn’t ruin my enjoyment. The tension and anxiety build well throughout the film. Since the killer only strikes on Valentine’s Day, there’s a natural time limit that adds urgency to the story. Everything happens in just 24 hours, but it never feels rushed. The movie is 97 minutes long, which is perfect for this mix of horror and romance.

The opening scene is thrilling, and then the story takes a moment to introduce us to the main characters. I appreciate how the characters get developed without slowing down the pacing. Their backgrounds are shared through quick, snappy dialogue, making it engaging. Once we care about the characters, the danger feels more real, and the action sequences become even more thrilling.

Gruesome Yet Fun Kills

Now, let’s talk about the slasher elements. The kills are bloody and creative! We see blood spurting everywhere and some unique weaponry used for maximum impact. It’s like a Terrifier level of gore! The violence is brutal but also fun. You can’t help but feel excited while watching it.

Jordana Brewster and Devon Sawa play detectives on the case. They bring a playful energy to their roles, balancing the dark themes with humor. Their witty exchanges keep the tone light, even when dealing with serious situations. The movie does require a bit of disbelief. Some scenes feel absurd, like the Seattle Police Department being nearly empty. In a big city, you’d expect a lot more action, right? But if you accept the campy world, it adds to the fun!

A Fun Valentine’s Tradition?

Despite its flaws, Heart Eyes is more enjoyable than I expected. The chemistry between Holt and Gooding shines, and they deliver endearing interactions. The film embraces its campiness and delivers both laughs and gory moments. It’s a unique addition to the holiday movie lineup and one I can see becoming a Valentine’s Day tradition for horror fans.

There are some adult themes, including sex, profanity, and a lot of violence. I give Heart Eyes a strong rating of four out of five couches! If you’re looking for a fun date night movie that mixes romance with horror, this is it!

FAQs

Have you seen Heart Eyes? What did you think? Share your thoughts and your favorite Valentine’s Day horror movies in the comments below!