Valentine’s Day Slasher 'Heart Eyes' Blends Romance and Horror

Josh Ruben’s latest film combines romantic comedy tropes with slasher horror, introducing a new killer while receiving mixed critical reactions.

Director Josh Ruben’s 'Heart Eyes' merges the structure of romantic comedies with slasher horror, featuring a killer targeting couples on Valentine’s Day.
The film stars Olivia Holt and Mason Gooding as advertising professionals mistaken for lovers and pursued by the Heart Eyes Killer in Seattle.
The Heart Eyes Killer’s design, influenced by classic slasher villains like Jason Voorhees, incorporates a twisted mask with heart-shaped eyes and aged details for added menace.
Critics have praised the inventive concept but noted uneven execution, with some finding the humor and romance lacking while acknowledging the creative gore and kills.
Ruben cites inspirations from Nora Ephron’s romantic comedies and 'Friday the 13th Part VI: Jason Lives,' aiming to balance heartfelt romance with horror elements.