Valentine’s Day movies don’t have to be all hearts and flowers. Netflix’s new slasher-rom-com, Heart Eyes, is a violent, self-aware genre mashup that flips the script on both horror and romance. The film is a surprisingly effective blend of scares, gore, and meta-humor, reminiscent of Scream but with a decidedly bloodier edge.
A Killer Twist on Cupid’s Game
The premise is simple: A masked killer is hunting couples in Seattle on Valentine’s Day. Instead of arrows of love, this killer uses far more lethal methods. The film follows Ally (Olivia Holt), a young advertising executive whose career and personal life are spiraling. She’s obsessed with her ex, and a disastrous campaign featuring lovers dying in cinematic fashion has put her job on the line.
Her boss, Crystal (Michaela Watkins), gives her one last chance: partner with Jay (Mason Gooding), the company’s supposed secret weapon. The catch? Ally and Jay keep running into each other in cringeworthy “meet-cute” scenarios, despite vehemently denying any romantic interest. Of course, the Heart Eyes killer sees things differently, launching a violent rampage that forces them to fight for survival… and maybe fall in love along the way.
Chemistry and Genre Savvy
The film’s success hinges on the chemistry between Holt and Gooding. Their argumentative banter feels genuine, grounding the absurdity in relatable human dynamics. Holt, fresh off Totally Killer, delivers a compelling performance, while Gooding gets more room to shine than in his recent Scream roles.
Heart Eyes doesn’t just rely on its leads, though. Supporting characters, like Ally’s blunt best friend Monica (Gigi Zumbado), add depth. Cameos from Devon Sawa and Jordana Brewster as inept detectives inject genre credibility, complete with knowing nods to their past work (a sly reference to their Fast & Furious spinoffs). The killer’s costume is also a standout, blending classic slasher aesthetics with a modern, iconic touch.
A Love Letter to Excess
The film’s violence is creatively gruesome, satisfying horror fans without sacrificing the rom-com elements. What truly sets Heart Eyes apart is its affection for the genres it’s subverting. It mocks the commercialism of Valentine’s Day while simultaneously celebrating the holiday’s silliness, specialness, and, yes, romance.
Heart Eyes isn’t just a horror movie or a rom-com; it’s a chaotic, self-aware blend of both. It proves that Valentine’s Day entertainment can be bloody, funny, and genuinely entertaining.
