Released in time for Valentine’s Day, Heart Eyes has been marketed as a romantic comedy slasher. It is directed by Josh Ruben but what really attracted me to it was that the co-writer, with Michael Kennedy, is Christopher Landon. He has a very impressive filmography including Happy Death Day, Scouts Guide to the Zombie Apocalypse, Happy Death Day 2U and Freaky, although he also has some misses.
His plot here is that for the past few years, a serial killer known as The Heart Eyes Killer (or HEK) has moved from different cities, killing multiple couples on Valentine’s Day. In the present year, he moves to Seattle.
It is easy to see Landon’s fingerprints on this film. Its tongue is firmly in its cheek throughout, and the potentially tricky mix of romance and gore – it has an 18 certificate – works well. The story focuses on Ally (Olivia Holt) who has been responsible for a disastrous advertising campaign for her jewellery company. Her boss makes her team up with trouble shooter Jay (Mason Gooding) to resolve the problems. Over what is meant to be a work dinner, they are mistaken for a couple by the killer.
In truth, Ally and Jay make quite a bland couple. Jordana Brewster’s cop who is chasing HEK, is much more interesting, and she gives the film’s best performance. Although the identity of the killers is a little obvious, it all boils up to a satisfying bloody showdown.
Rating: 7 out of 10