Heart Eyes

Heart Eyes: The Valentine's Day Slasher That's Got Everyone Talking

Valentine's Day is usually associated with romance, chocolates, and maybe a slightly cheesy rom-com. But this year, a new horror film, Heart Eyes, is turning the holiday on its head. With a buzz volume of 5000, the film promises a thrilling, and perhaps terrifying, take on love and relationships. But what exactly is Heart Eyes about, and why is everyone talking about it? Let's delve into the bloody heart of this slasher flick.

What's the Story Behind Heart Eyes?

Heart Eyes (2025) plunges viewers into a Valentine's Day nightmare. For several years, the "Heart Eyes Killer" has been terrorising romantic couples, stalking and murdering them. This Valentine's Day, no couple is safe. The film stars Olivia Holt as Ally McCabe and Mason Gooding, and is directed by Josh Ruben. It's produced by Greg Gilreath and Adam Hendricks, with a screenplay by Phillip Murphy, Christopher Landon, and Michael Kennedy.

As Empire's review states, Heart Eyes throws Olivia Holt and Mason Gooding into a desperate fight for survival against the titular killer. The film promises a blend of scares, suspense, and perhaps a dash of dark humour, perfect for those who prefer their Valentine's Day with a side of adrenaline.

Recent Updates: What We Know So Far

Heart Eyes was released exclusively in movie theatres on February 7th, 2025. The official trailer, available on YouTube, teases the film's terrifying premise: "stay single - stay safe." This tagline encapsulates the film's core message and highlights the danger that lurks for those embracing romance on Valentine's Day.

According to Fandango, the film has a runtime of 1 hour and 30 minutes. Josh Ruben, known for his work in horror-comedy, directs the movie, bringing his unique vision to the slasher genre.

The Slasher Movie Context: A Bloody History

Slasher films have been a staple of horror cinema since the late 1970s, with classics like Halloween and Friday the 13th setting the standard. These films often feature masked killers, gruesome deaths, and a "final girl" who manages to survive the carnage. Heart Eyes appears to be a modern take on this classic formula, injecting a contemporary twist with its Valentine's Day setting and the killer's distinctive "heart eyes" mask.

The choice of Valentine's Day as the backdrop is particularly interesting. While typically a celebration of love, the holiday has also been used as a setting for horror films before, playing on the contrast between romance and terror. My Bloody Valentine (1981) is a classic example, and Heart Eyes seems poised to join its ranks as a memorable Valentine's Day slasher.

Roger Ebert's review highlights the importance of a memorable villain in a slasher film, noting that "Heart Eyes as the villain has a fashionable design, something underappreciated but necessary in the making of a memorable slasher." The review describes the killer's "dingy yellow mask with glowing red heart eyes" as finding itself "somewhere between the noted emoji and 'The Collector.'" This unique design, blending the familiar emoji with a terrifying aesthetic, could contribute to the film's lasting impact.

Immediate Effects: Love is in the Air...and So is Fear

The release of Heart Eyes is already having an impact on the cultural landscape. The film's trailer and promotional materials have generated significant buzz online, particularly on social media platforms. The juxtaposition of the romantic Valentine's Day setting with the gruesome violence of a slasher film has captured the attention of horror fans and casual moviegoers alike.

The film's success could also have an impact on the horror genre itself. By blending the classic slasher formula with modern sensibilities, Heart Eyes could pave the way for more innovative and thought-provoking horror films in the future.

Future Outlook: Will Heart Eyes Steal Your Heart...or Just Scare You Silly?

The future of Heart Eyes hinges on a few key factors. Critical reception will play a crucial role, as positive reviews can significantly boost a film's box office performance. Word-of-mouth will also be essential, as enthusiastic audiences can spread the word and encourage others to see the film.

If Heart Eyes proves to be a success, it could potentially spawn a new horror franchise. The "Heart Eyes Killer" could become a recurring villain, terrorising couples on Valentine's Day for years to come. Alternatively, the film could serve as a standalone story, leaving audiences with a chilling reminder of the darker side of love.

One potential risk is that the film's violence could be too extreme for some viewers. Slasher films are known for their graphic content, and Heart Eyes appears to be no exception. However, for fans of the genre, this is often part of the appeal.

Ultimately, Heart Eyes is a film that aims to both scare and entertain. By blending the classic slasher formula with a contemporary setting and a memorable villain, it has the potential to become a new horror favourite. Whether it will steal your heart or just scare you silly remains to be seen, but one thing is certain: Heart Eyes is a Valentine's Day treat that you won't soon forget.

The Emoji Connection: From Adoration to Annihilation

Interestingly, the "Heart Eyes" motif connects the film to a ubiquitous symbol of modern communication: the Smiling Face with Heart-Eyes emoji (😍). As Emojipedia describes, this emoji "often conveys enthusiastic feelings of love, infatuation, and adoration." The film cleverly subverts this positive connotation, transforming a symbol of affection into a marker of impending doom. The killer's mask, featuring glowing red hearts, is a chilling reminder that even the most innocent symbols can be twisted into something sinister. This clever juxtaposition adds another layer of depth to the film, making it more than just a simple slasher flick. It taps into our subconscious associations with familiar imagery, playing on our expectations and delivering a truly unsettling experience. This is something that elevates the film from its contemporaries and will be sure to leave a lasting impression on audiences.