The 2025 horror film Heart Eyes feels like a Scream wannabe. It felt to me like an AI generated horror film. Director Josh Ruben does have a track record of trying too hard, take Werewolves Within for example. He does, however, put his heart (See what we did there?) into each and every project he helms.
That helps.
Although I still had that AI doubt running around in my head.
The story
Heart Eyes takes place during Valentine’s Day. *It could have been titled “Death Actually.”* **And yes, this is one of those, “If You Get It” things.**
Ally McCabe does not have the Valentine’s Day bonhomie going on. Her romantic ad campaign for a large company has fallen flat. Jay Simmons is brought in to save the loveless campaign. Ally and Jay hit it off but are not really a couple yet. Heart Eyes the serial killer targets the two and they must team up to save themselves.
the cast
Mason Gooding is Jay Simmons.
Olivia Holt is Ally McCabe.
Gigi Zumbado is Monica.
Michaela Watkins is Crystal Cane.
Cameos to Die For
Jordana Brewster is Detective Shaw.
Devon Sawa is Detective Hobbs.
Great Gags
Lines like “My basement is flooded.” “I would change an adult diaper if it was in the name of love,” prove that laughs are king. The humour lines are almost delivered with machine gun regularity. From the goofy moments of Ally and Jay to the over excitement of Shaw and Hobbs, the comedy works. The heart of the film is comedy, however dark.
Although, it has to be said, the start of the film with it’s scripted proposal, just about topped everything else. Lauren O’Hara as Adeline, breathlessly mouthing the script being delivered by her almost fiance had me in hysterics. Aside from proving that she wrote the proposal herself it shows who is “wearing the trousers” in that relationship.
Heart Eyes is not meant to be taken seriously. Like Werewolves Within with it’s innate silliness, it is meant to be fun. The film itself is more camp than anything else.
scream
I did enjoy the movie. The cast, especially Holt, Gooding and Zumbado, are attractive and good at the light comedic tone. Holt could have been born to play the girl next door. She is beautiful, perky and more than a tad cranky. Holt shines here. Zumbado is practically perfect as the single minded “best friend.” Sugar Daddy indeed. Gooding is a good match for his costar.
Heart Eyes is not meta enough to fully challenge a film like Scream. Only the late Wes Craven had the ability to bring that type of world to life. Although Ruben, has mastered the art of blending comedy with horror with an adroit touch of darkness. A touch that is enviable to say the least.
Behind the camera
Heart Eyes is made that little bit more special by the talents of DP Stephen Murphy. He, along with editor Brett W. Bachman and composer Jay Wadley work hand in hand with Ruben. The frames positively crack, the editing is sharp enough to draw blood and the music? To die for. *No pun intended.*
The VFX look pretty darn good,. That opening death scene with Adeline is almost a show stopper. The practical FX blends in well. The casting director gives us actors that knocked their roles out of the metaphorical park.
The Verdict
Despite my AI feelings of doubt, Josh Ruben and Heart Eyes earns an easy 5 stars. It made me laugh, chuckle and do a few double-takes. Most importantly? It is a fun watch. Head over to Netflix and check it out. If you have any doubts at all, check out the trailer below.
the trailer
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