'Heart Eyes' Review Thread

I will continue to update this post as reviews come in.

Rotten Tomatoes: Fresh

Critics Consensus: N/A

Metacritic: 63 (18 Reviews)

Sample Reviews:

Courtney Howard, Variety - Thoroughly self-aware, stocked with self-reflexive gags and gorily-orchestrated kills, this genre mashup is endearing with its delightfully zippy charms. It makes us swoon and squirm in equal measure.

Frank Scheck, The Hollywood Reporter - The creatives’ obvious affinity for the genre comes through in every frame of the film, and to their credit Heart Eyes includes many clever touches.

Brian Truitt, USA Today - Yes, it does juggle the many tropes of two different genres but the gory romp boasts an impressive mean streak, entertaining leads and an excellent hook. 3/4

Erik Piepenburg, New York Times - A horror rom-com can be delightful, but this film would put even Cupid in a bad mood.

Amy Nicholson, Los Angeles Times - It’s got decent gags, middling scares and a rationale sloppier than two dogs sharing a strand of spaghetti. As date night fare, it’ll do.

Jen Yamato, Washington Post - Directing this lively date night slash-’em-up... [Josh] Ruben wields the conventions of rom-coms and retro slashers like weapons, spilling blood and guts galore while also setting the mood for love. 3/4

Richard Whittaker, Austin Chronicle - Broad, sharp, hysterical, witty, and perfect for everyone who likes their Valentine’s hearts with candy or carved, still beating out of their chest. 3.5/5

Bill Goodykoontz, Arizona Republic - It’s a movie that understands the assignment. 4/5

A.A. Dowd, IGN Movies - Heart Eyes isn’t nearly as clever as the best entries in that ongoing horror juggernaut. But it’s not without its pleasures, from the sincerity of the lead performances to the cartoonish gore offered by Werewolves Within director Josh Rubenn. 6/10

Nick Schager, The Daily Beast - [A] bland stab at genre hybridization, whose sole accomplishment is falling flat at everything it tries.

Kimber Myers, Mashable - Heart Eyes is a blast. It's often shriekingly funny while also being pretty disgusting (complimentary).

Justin Clark, Slant Magazine - Heart Eyes is a slasher movie first, and a gnarly one at that, with some imaginative, seat-shiftingly gruesome kills, and some particularly ominous set pieces. 2.5/4

Meagan Navarro, Bloody Disgusting - Director Josh Ruben gives romance and horror equal weight in this seamless fusion of genres, ensuring that the gore hits just as hard as the sizzling hot chemistry between leads Olivia Holt and Mason Gooding. 4/5

Peyton Robinson, RogerEbert.com - “Heart Eyes” is a raving good time. 3.5/4

SYNOPSIS:

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…

CAST:

• Olivia Holt as Ally
• Mason Gooding as Jay
• Gigi Zumbado
• Michaela Watkins
• Devon Sawa as Detective Hobbs
• Jordana Brewster as Detective Shaw

DIRECTED BY: Josh Ruben

SCREENPLAY BY: Phillip Murphy, Christopher Landon, Michael Kennedy

PRODUCED BY: Christopher Landon, Greg Gilreath, Adam Hendricks

EXECUTIVE PRODUCERS: Gary Barber, Chris Stone, Mel Turner, Phillip Murphy, Michael Kennedy

DIRECTOR OF PHOTOGRAPHY: Stephen Murphy

PRODUCTION DESIGNER: Robert Bavin

EDITED BY: Brett W. Bachman

COSTUME DESIGNER: Jaindra Watson

MUSIC BY: Jay Wadley

CASTING BY: Bret Howe, Mary Vernieu

RUNTIME: 90 Minutes

RELEASE DATE: February 7, 2025