Heart Eyes (2025) review – Romantic-horror comedy done right

Welcome to Knockout Horror. Valentine’s Day is fast approaching and, let’s be real for a second, it’s never the most generous occasion when it comes to fans of horror. With that in mind, what better way to spend the day than checking out a rom-com with a dark side? Josh Ruben’s brand-new slasher, Heart Eyes, is here to offer you just that.

Before we start, if you are looking for answers regarding the plot of this movie, why not check out our Heart Eyes Ending Explained article? Be warned, there are spoilers, but there are none in this review so carry on reading if you haven’t yet watched the movie.

Romantic horror comedy done right

Heart Eyes follows the story of two co-workers who just so happen to get stuck together while working on the evening of Valentine’s Day. Not only that, but there is a vicious serial killer on the loose who targets couples in love. The pair find themselves in a fight for survival after the killer mistakes them for a couple spending Valentine’s night together and pursues them through the city.

There are very few actual romantic horror movies targeted at couples. Heart Eyes, however, is exactly that. It is a slasher movie that plays out like a full-blown rom-com.

“Heart Eyes does the slasher thing so well that it finds a perfect balance between two disparate subjects. The kills come in at a decent clip and with no small amount of blood and guts.”

Now, I get it, that concept sounds pretty awful if you aren’t a fan of the rom-com sub-genre. Hell, I am there with you. With that being said, I think that Heart Eyes does the slasher thing so well that it finds a perfect balance between the two disparate subjects.

The movie plays out, for the most part, as a 50/50 blend of the genres. It’s made abundantly clear that our antagonist, The Heart Eyes killer, is a ruthless villain and that the slasher elements will not be taking a back seat. But the romance and comedy aspects are front and centre, as well. The developing relationship of our protagonists plays a huge part in the story. Equally as much as their fight for survival, in fact.

It works so damn well

Everything here works in glorious, harmonious balance. The comedy is pitch perfect thanks to a witty script and some brilliant comedic timing from actors Olivia Holt and Mason Gooding, as well as a fantastically over-the-top performance from Cellar Door‘s Jordana Brewster.

The kills come in at a decent clip and with no small amount of blood and guts. The action sequences are well-paced, and the movie does a nice job of keeping you guessing. Nothing is sacrificed here. Even the romantic elements are well-done, with the relationship between Ally and Jay building gradually in much the same way as it would in any typical romantic comedy.

Both protagonists are likable and both have their fair share of hilarious moments, as well as moments to take the spotlight and play the horror hero. This movie is, clearly, the work of someone who is a fan of both genres and knows how to make them work well together.

It is commendable that the romance elements really don’t get in the way of the horror, as well. Again, I am not a rom-com fan, but I didn’t find myself constantly cringing. The romance is there but very subtle and well-blended. The slasher elements are paramount to the movie’s story and take centre stage.

“Again, I am not a rom-com fan, but I didn’t find myself constantly cringing. The romance is there but very subtle and well-blended.”

Cat-and-mouse chases make for some seriously fun scenes, and the many nods to horror classics and frequent winks to the camera add to the movie’s charm—especially for seasoned horror fans.

It is going to divide horror fans

With all of that being said, this is still a movie that is going to divide people, a little. There is so much going on here that it is impossible not to imagine some people feeling a bit overloaded. Some people hate comedy in their horror, and the comedy here is very much at the heart of the movie.

I can see some people not vibing with the romance elements and finding the integration of the sub-genres unnecessary and awkward. Others will, likely, feel as though the slasher stuff takes a back seat. I wouldn’t agree, but I can understand where they are coming from.

There are a couple of issues, here and there, as well. There are a few scenes that are a little drawn-out that don’t really add anything to the film. These come particularly during the first 15 minutes and towards the end.

One later scene, in particular, feels like it is there purely to pad the romance elements. It really seems a bit pointless, in the grand scheme of things. A late-movie twist might disappoint a few people, as well. Though it is easy to see it coming, some may find it unnecessary.

It’s still a great movie

In my opinion, however, these are minor issues. Heart Eyes does a lot right. Much of the comedy is legitimately hilarious. I really appreciated the somewhat tense, almost buddy-cop-like relationship between the main characters. Some of the kills are fantastic. There is buckets of gore. The slasher parts of the movie play out with a real genuine love for the genre.

“Josh Ruben achieves something quite impressive in making Heart Eyes feel like both a legitimately brilliant horror movie and a rom-com while sacrificing nothing from either genre.”

The movie is, technically, great, as well. Acting is perfect, throughout. Mason Gooding and Olivia Holt are excellent and have great chemistry. Jordana Brewster is a laugh riot and hamming it up in the best way possible. And I absolutely loved Michaela Watkins’ brief stint as Ally’s sharp-tongued boss, Crystal. Let’s not forget Final Destination‘s Devon Sawa, as well, still appearing in horror, practically, on the yearly.

Editing is a treat with the timing on both kills and comedy being perfect, throughout. That’s a truly difficult task given the differing nature of the subjects. Josh Ruben’s direction is excellent. Ruben achieves something quite impressive in making Heart Eyes feel like both a legitimately brilliant horror movie and a rom-com while sacrificing nothing from either genre.

Our Scoring Philosophy: A Fair Fight

Horror is a genre that thrives thanks to indie film makers and low budget creators. At Knockout Horror, we firmly believe that every movie that we review deserves a fair fight. That's why we grade on a curve. Our star ratings are all about context, judging a film on what it achieves with the resources it has.

A 4-star rating for a scrappy indie horror made for $10,000 is a testament to its ingenuity and raw power. A 4-star rating for a $100 million blockbuster means it delivered on its epic promises. We don't compare them side-by-side; we celebrate success in every weight class, from the back-alley brawler to the heavyweight champion. Please keep this in mind when considering star ratings.

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