Romantic Comedies and slasher films don’t usually cross paths fluently, but Heart Eyes proves they absolutely can. Directed by Josh Ruben, the film takes a fresh spin on your typical slasher movie, and it really paid off.
This Horror-Rom-com stars Child star, Oliva Holt, and Mason Gooding taking place in Seattle, where a crazed masked serial killer, “Heart Eyes”, runs rampant through town killing many couples. Josh Ruben, who specializes in horror comedies, truly shines in this project.
Viewers immediately can see the dynamic that is about to form when they meet for dinner and debate their ideas of love. Olivia Holt does a really good job in the scene, as she illustrates her character’s hatred for love very well. Without saying anything in direct words, it’s clear that Ally has recently gone through a tough breakup. This subtle conclusion is made clear in Holt’s body language, delivery, and facial expressions. Anytime Jay mentions anything positive about love, her face seems to physically repulse in disagreement. Making the message abundantly clear. This lays the foundation for their relationship.
The actors absolutely delivered fear as they suddenly switched to a satirical-comedic style, often making fun of romantic cliches. Mason Gooding surprised me with his excellent performance, which improved from his past projects. He has a deadpan-sarastical delivery, while also keeping things light and funny. I think the actress Gigi Zumbago sticks out to me because of her timely comedic delivery, which serves as comedic relief when the movie gets too scary.
The biggest accomplishment the film made was its creative use of gore. Immediately from the opening scene, they have jaw-dropping, hand-over-eyes kills. They take a unique approach to the way they kill a character. The character gets brutally crushed in an industrial machine. I also really admire the movie’s cinematography that seems to capture the horror in even wondrous places. They do a really good job of making you hold your breath in scenes by their skillful use of built suspense through shots.
This is definitely a must-see for people who are sick of the same old, same tired slasher movies with the same plot. This movie offers twisted deaths while simultaneously making you laugh.
