Heart Eyes Review (2025): A Bloody Rom-Com That Actually Works

Last updated on 2025-06-01

Genre(s) – Horror, Rom-Com
Director – Josh Ruben
Writer – Phillip Murphy, Christopher Landon, Michael Kennedy
Main Cast – Olivia Holt, Mason Gooding, Gigi Zumbado, Michaela Watkins, Devon Sawa, Yoson An and Jordana Brewster
Runtime – 97 Minutes
My Rating – ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐½☆☆☆☆

Where To Watch/Stream Heart Eyes

It’s dumb, it’s cheesy, it’s bloody – and I had a pretty good time with it.

Plot Summary of Heart Eyes (Spoiler-Free)

Ally (played by Olivia Holt) is an ad executive whose big pitch for a jewelry campaign featuring “doomed lovers” is getting major pushback. But Ally is in no position to argue – she’s in the midst of her own breakup, and her ex has already moved on, which just adds to the horror of her personal life.

Cue Jay (Mason Gooding), a smooth-talking marketing whiz brought in to salvage her doomed campaign. He’s charming, confident, and definitely trying to flirt with Ally – who, of course, isn’t having it. She’s tired of romantic nonsense, thank you very much. She’s more focused on her work, and honestly, who wouldn’t be? But you know how these rom-coms go – there’s no way they aren’t going to start bickering, then eventually realize they’re kind of into each other.

But, just as the standard rom-com formula begins to play out, enter the wild card: The Heart Eyes Killer. This psycho has a singular goal: to brutally murder couples in the most violent and graphic ways possible. Yeah, it’s about to get real messy. Now, Ally and Jay are not only trying to survive the carnage but also figure out if they’re willing to risk their lives for love.

And no, this movie doesn’t hold back. The rom-com moments are as cheesy as expected, but the slasher bits go full throttle, delivering some seriously satisfying blood-soaked chaos. From cringe-worthy love declarations to a killer with glowing heart-shaped eyes, Heart Eyes is a rollercoaster of genre tropes.

Heart Eyes Review: Is It Worth Watching?

So, is Heart Eyes a brilliant reinvention of the slasher-rom-com genre? No. But that’s not what it’s aiming for. The movie knows exactly what it is – dumb, fun, and packed with enough blood to make a vampire blush. It embraces the ridiculousness of its concept, leaning into both the rom-com and horror aspects with equal enthusiasm. And that’s the real charm of it.

Olivia Holt and Mason Gooding do a decent job of bringing their rom-com chemistry to life. Holt’s Ally is a little overdone at times = yes,, she’s the jaded woman who doesn’t believe in love anymore, but she’s not an annoying character. There’s a balance between her vulnerability and sass, which is pretty key to making the rom-com aspects work. Gooding, on the other hand, plays Jay with the perfect mix of charm and arrogance. You know the type – the guy who has a line for everything, but it’s clear he’s actually a decent human underneath it all. Their bickering feels natural, and while their romance isn’t groundbreaking, it’s definitely fun to watch unfold amidst the horror.

But let’s not kid ourselves – no one’s here for the romance, are they? The real draw is the killer, and Heart Eyes knows how to deliver on that front. The Heart Eyes Killer is creepy, yet kind of comical, with his dingy yellow mask and those glowing red heart-shaped eyes. He’s got the whole “slasher villain” vibe but with a twist of goofiness that fits perfectly with the tone of the movie. The kills are over-the-top, bloody, and absolutely satisfying. We get some great kills that combine humor with horror, and honestly, that’s the heart of what makes this film so fun. It doesn’t try to be too serious about the violence – it’s all part of the show, and that’s exactly what you want from a movie like this.

Now, the movie does have some flaws. The plot is fairly predictable, and once you get a sense of the direction it’s heading, there are no real surprises. The reveal at the end is a little weak – it’s like the film doesn’t even care about trying to outsmart you, which, I guess, is part of the charm? But still, the final twist could have been better. It’s not bad, it just feels like the film doesn’t give you the satisfying payoff you’re hoping for after all the chaos.

But, Heart Eyes is exactly what it sets out to be: a fun, self-aware, and bloody mess of a movie. It doesn’t try to reinvent the wheel; it just wants you to have a good time, and it succeeds in doing just that.

What I Liked (And What I Didn’t Like)

Pros

Self Awareness

One of the best things about Heart Eyes is that it knows exactly what kind of movie it is. It doesn’t take itself too seriously, and it leans into both the rom-com and horror genres without half-assing it. The film delivers exactly what it promises – a bloody, cheesy, fun ride.

Good Chemistry

Olivia Holt and Mason Gooding have decent enough chemistry. They work well together, playing off each other’s strengths. Holt’s Ally is tough but vulnerable, and Gooding’s Jay is charmingly arrogant. It’s a predictable, but enjoyable, dynamic.

The Kills Are Decent Enough

This movie doesn’t hold back when it comes to the blood. The kills are over-the-top, creative, and bloody as hell. They’re not just there for shock value; they actually contribute to the dark humor that the film is going for, too.

It Embraces Its B-Movie Roots

There’s no pretension here. The film isn’t trying to be an art piece; it’s trying to entertain. The low-budget, B-movie feel gives it a certain charm, making it even more enjoyable.

Cons

Predictable Plot

The plot doesn’t throw many curveballs. If you’re expecting some sort of mind-bending twist, you’re going to be disappointed. It’s pretty easy to guess where the story is going, but that’s part of the charm, right?

Weak Reveal

The reveal at the end feels quite underwhelming. After all the chaos and bloodshed, the payoff doesn’t quite land as well as it could have. Not a dealbreaker, but it does leave you wanting more.

Could Have Used More Horror

I do wish the film leaned into the horror aspects a little more. There are moments where it feels more like a rom-com with a side of slasher, and I wanted to see the horror play a bigger role

Who Might Like Heart Eyes?

If you’re a fan of genre mash ups, in this case a bit of horror-comedy, a slasher flick, and some cheesy rom-com moments, Heart Eyes is a decent enough watch. It has enough gore and humor to satisfy slasher fans while still delivering the light-hearted romance for those who are looking for something less intense.

Who Might Dislike Heart Eyes?

If you’re someone who hates predictable plots or can’t stand movies that don’t take themselves seriously, Heart Eyes will probably annoy the hell out of you. It’s campy, cheesy, and isn’t exactly reinventing the slasher genre. If you’re looking for deep character development or a film that doesn’t rely on clichés, look elsewhere.

Final Verdict: Did I Enjoy Watching Heart Eyes?

In the end, Heart Eyes is a bloody good time. It knows it’s a cheesy rom-com slasher, and it owns that identity. The kills are decent, the romance is predictable but fun, and it doesn’t take itself too seriously. And while the ending could’ve been stronger, and the plot might be a little too predictable for some, it’s still exactly what it needs to be: a fun, dumb, and self-aware slasher. If you’re in the mood for a movie that doesn’t make you think too hard but still gives you a fun ride, Heart Eyes is worth your time.

Heart Eyes Trailer

Heart Eyes Film Facts

• Filming took place in New Zealand, despite being set in Seattle.
• The killer’s costume design was inspired by vintage Valentine’s Day cards and 70s slasher tropes.
• Director Josh Ruben makes a cameo as a drive-in movie patron.
• It has a mid-credits scene.

Simon Leasher

A lover of cinema for over 35 years, I try and look at the good and bad points of films while advising whether someone might like the film or not. More

And yes, The Godfather 2 is better than The Godfather.