Heart Eyes

Heart Eyes: Auckland's Eerie Backdrop for New Horror Flick

The "Heart Eyes Killer" is about to wreak havoc on Valentine's Day, and some of the most chilling scenes are filmed right here in Auckland. While "Heart Eyes" might sound like a romantic comedy, it's actually a slasher film set to send shivers down your spine. Here's what we know about the movie, its Auckland filming locations, and why it's generating buzz.

What's the Buzz About "Heart Eyes"?

The term "Heart Eyes" is currently trending with a traffic volume (buzz) of 2000. While the original source of this trend is unknown, the excitement is likely linked to the upcoming horror film "Heart Eyes." This film taps into our universal anxieties about Valentine's Day, relationships, and, of course, masked killers.

Auckland Takes Center Stage in Horror Film

Travel Noire recently reported that "Heart Eyes" was filmed in Auckland, New Zealand. This puts our beautiful city in the spotlight, albeit for a rather sinister reason. For those of us in Auckland, it's exciting to see our local landscapes featured on the big screen, even if they are backdrops for some terrifying scenes. The article "Explore Eerie 'Heart Eyes' Filming Locations Around Auckland" highlights this connection.

Recent Updates: What We Know About "Heart Eyes" (2025)

• Release Date: February 7, 2025 (Theatrically released in North America)
• Director: Josh Ruben
• Writers: Phillip Murphy, Christopher Landon, and Michael Kennedy
• Cast: Olivia Holt, Mason Gooding, Gigi Zumbado, Michaela Watkins, Devon Sawa, and Jordana Brewster

According to IMDb, Fandango, Rotten Tomatoes, and Wikipedia, the film revolves around a killer known as the "Heart Eyes Killer" who stalks and murders couples on Valentine's Day. The official trailer, available on YouTube, promises a suspenseful and gory ride.

The "Heart Eyes Killer": A Modern Slasher Icon?

The "Heart Eyes Killer" is already garnering attention for his distinctive look. Roger Ebert's movie review notes that the villain's "dingy yellow mask with glowing red heart eyes" is a crucial element in creating a memorable slasher. The design, described as somewhere between the heart eyes emoji and "The Collector," suggests a blend of modern internet culture and classic horror tropes.

Contextual Background: Slashers and Valentine's Day

The slasher film genre has a long and bloody history. From classics like "Halloween" and "Friday the 13th" to more recent entries like "Scream" and "You're Next," these films tap into our primal fears. The "Heart Eyes Killer" joins the ranks of iconic villains like Michael Myers, Jason Voorhees, and Ghostface.

Valentine's Day has also been a popular setting for horror films. Movies like "My Bloody Valentine" (both the original and the remake) have used the holiday's romantic expectations as a backdrop for gruesome events. The contrast between love and violence creates a particularly unsettling atmosphere.

Immediate Effects: Auckland's Film Industry and Tourism

The filming of "Heart Eyes" in Auckland has several immediate effects:

• Boost to the Local Film Industry: Film productions bring jobs and revenue to the local economy.
• Tourism Potential: As Travel Noire's article demonstrates, film locations can become tourist attractions. Fans of "Heart Eyes" might be interested in visiting the Auckland locations where the movie was filmed.
• Increased Awareness of Auckland: The film exposes Auckland to a wider audience, potentially attracting more visitors and investment.

Future Outlook: Will "Heart Eyes" Become a Horror Franchise?

The success of "Heart Eyes" will determine its future. If the film is a hit, we could see sequels, spin-offs, and even merchandise featuring the "Heart Eyes Killer." The film's unique visual style and timely theme (the anxieties of modern romance) give it franchise potential.

However, the horror genre is notoriously competitive. "Heart Eyes" will need to stand out from the crowd to achieve long-term success. The film's quality, marketing, and audience reception will all play a crucial role.

The Broader Implications: Romance, Social Media, and Fear

"Heart Eyes" reflects our complex relationship with romance in the age of social media. The heart eyes emoji, a symbol of love and affection, is twisted into a symbol of terror. This reflects a growing unease about the pressures of online dating, the curated perfection of social media, and the potential for violence in relationships.

The film also taps into our anxieties about Valentine's Day. For many, the holiday is a source of stress and disappointment. The "Heart Eyes Killer" preys on couples, exploiting these anxieties and turning a day of love into a day of terror.

Stay Single, Stay Safe?

The tagline for "Heart Eyes" is "Stay single – stay safe." This darkly humorous message resonates with many people who are disillusioned with modern dating. The film suggests that the only way to avoid the "Heart Eyes Killer" is to avoid romance altogether.

Whether or not you agree with this sentiment, "Heart Eyes" is sure to spark conversations about love, fear, and the dark side of Valentine's Day. And for Aucklanders, it's a chance to see our city in a whole new light – a light filled with suspense, terror, and maybe a touch of local pride.

Disclaimer: While we have strived to provide accurate information, some details regarding the film "Heart Eyes" are based on preliminary reports and may be subject to change. Please refer to official sources for the most up-to-date information.