Valentine’s Day is typically a time for dinner and a movie, a tradition that many people enjoy regardless of their age. It’s a chance to celebrate love, whether in a romantic relationship or among friends. This year, however, Heart Eyes, a new thriller film, is bringing a completely different approach to celebrating Valentine’s Day.
For those who are into slasher movies, you may want to take note of Heart Eyes, as it offers something far from the usual romantic comedies that tend to dominate the holiday. The film takes the traditional slasher genre and blends it with humor, creating a fun and chilling experience for moviegoers.
Heart Eyes stands out for several reasons, not least because of its team behind the scenes. The film is produced by the same individuals who worked on the popular 2022 Scream and Scream VI movies, and directed by Josh Ruben, known for his work on horror comedies like Scare Me and Werewolves Within.
Ruben’s previous films have combined horror and humor in a way that makes for a thrilling yet light-hearted experience, and Heart Eyes is no exception. This film promises to deliver an exciting combination of suspenseful moments, bloody scenes, and unexpected humor, making it a perfect fit for those looking for a fun twist on traditional holiday fare.
A New Kind of Valentine’s Day Thriller
Heart Eyes will hit theaters on February 7, 2025, just one week before Valentine’s Day, which adds to its chilling atmosphere. The plot centers on a mysterious killer known as the “Heart Eyes Killer,” who targets couples on Valentine’s Day. This unique storyline sets the tone for a Valentine’s Day celebration like no other.
Couples (or those who appear to be couples) will need to be cautious as they face the romantic holiday, especially if they find themselves in the wrong place at the wrong time.
The movie, which has a production budget of over $15 million, faces competition from other films being released during the same time frame. One such movie is Bring Them Down, a psychological thriller starring Barry Keoghan and Christopher Abbott.
Another is the action-comedy Love Hurts, featuring Academy Award-winner Ke Huy Quan as a real estate agent hiding a dark past. Despite this competition, Heart Eyes is expected to stand out thanks to its unique genre mix of horror and dark comedy.
Heart Eyes: Theatrical Release and Streaming Options
Heart Eyes will have an exclusive theatrical release beginning February 7, 2025. This is a great opportunity for couples or horror movie enthusiasts to experience the film in a theater, where the suspenseful atmosphere and gruesome kill scenes can be fully appreciated. The timing is perfect for a date night, especially if you want to celebrate Valentine’s Day in a non-traditional way.
After its theatrical run, the movie will likely be available to stream on platforms such as Netflix, thanks to a contract with the production company, Screen Gems, which is owned by Sony Pictures Entertainment. Netflix, known for offering a wide range of films, will likely be the main platform for streaming Heart Eyes.
In addition to Netflix, the film will also be available for rent or purchase on Amazon Prime Video, making it accessible to those who don’t have a Netflix subscription.
Rating and Runtime
Heart Eyes has been rated R due to its intense, gory slasher elements, strong language, and some sexual content. If you’re a fan of horror films that aren’t afraid to push the envelope, this rating indicates that the movie doesn’t shy away from intense or graphic moments. It’s not for the faint of heart, and it’s important to keep this in mind if you plan to watch it.
The movie has a 97-minute runtime, which is relatively short for a feature film. This means that you won’t have to worry about long delays or missing crucial moments while you’re at the theater. The pacing of the film keeps the action moving without too much downtime, ensuring that viewers remain engaged from start to finish.
The Official Trailer and First Impressions
The first teaser for Heart Eyes was released about three months ago, and it set the stage for what would be an intense and thrilling Valentine’s Day slasher movie. The teaser generated a lot of buzz by focusing on the tension and terror surrounding the typically romantic holiday. The tagline, “No couple is safe,” is enough to raise a few eyebrows and spark curiosity.
Recently, Sony Pictures Entertainment released the official trailer, offering a closer look at the characters and the deadly threat pursuing them. It teases the film’s dark humor, blending suspense with cleverly executed kill scenes.
The killer, who has been nicknamed the “Heart Eyes Killer,” seems to take pleasure in using the holiday’s theme of love and romance as a backdrop for grisly acts of violence. As the trailer suggests, “no couple is safe,” and the tension builds throughout as the characters try to survive the night.
The trailer highlights the film’s blend of comedy and horror, which promises to make for a fun, but terrifying viewing experience. It also showcases the visually stunning kill scenes that are characteristic of the slasher genre, setting the stage for a movie that will keep audiences on the edge of their seats.
Heart Eyes is shaping up to be the perfect film for a theater date night, combining elements of horror and humor in a way that feels fresh and exciting.
Plot: What Is Heart Eyes About?
The official synopsis of Heart Eyes is as follows:
“For the past several years, the “Heart Eyes Killer” has wreaked havoc on Valentine’s Day by stalking and murdering romantic couples. This Valentine’s Day, no couple is safe…”
While the official synopsis is brief, it sets the stage for a gripping and suspenseful story. The Heart Eyes Killer is a menacing figure who targets couples each year on Valentine’s Day, making the holiday a time of terror instead of celebration.
The killer is ruthless, and their methods are gruesome and creative, with each murder taking on a twisted form of romantic symbolism. As the plot unfolds, the characters will need to figure out how to survive the night and avoid becoming the next victims of the killer’s deadly obsession with love.
The Cast of Heart Eyes
The cast of Heart Eyes is made up of talented actors who bring their characters to life in this chilling and humorous thriller. Olivia Holt, known for her role in Totally Killer, stars as the female lead, Ally. Ally works late on Valentine’s Day with her co-worker, Jay, played by Mason Gooding, who starred in Scream and Scream VI.
While Ally and Jay are not officially a couple when the movie begins, there is undeniable chemistry between the two characters. As the night progresses, the two are thrust into a fight for survival when they become targets of the Heart Eyes Killer.
Michaela Watkins, known for her role in Tiny Beautiful Things, plays Ally and Jay’s boss. Gigi Zumbado, who appeared in Hightown, portrays Ally’s friend, adding depth to the cast of characters. The investigation into the killer’s identity is carried out by detectives Hobbs and Shaw, played by Devon Sawa and Jordana Brewster, respectively.
The pairing of the detectives, whose names are a playful reference to the popular action movie franchise Fast & Furious, is a deliberate choice by the filmmakers to satirize familiar movie tropes. The interactions between the characters add an extra layer of humor to the film, making it more than just a typical slasher movie.
The Team Behind Heart Eyes
Heart Eyes is produced by some of the same people behind the recent Scream movies. Gary Barber, Cathy Konrad, and Michael Kennedy, who all worked on Scream VI, bring their expertise to the project, ensuring that Heart Eyes will be both thrilling and creative.
The screenplay for the movie was written by Michael Kennedy, with co-executive producers Phillip Murphy and Michael Kennedy. The film’s composer, Jay Wadley, has worked on scores for films such as Old, Swan Song, and I’m Thinking of Ending Things.
Josh Ruben, the director of Heart Eyes, is best known for his work on horror comedies such as Scare Me and Werewolves Within. Ruben’s ability to balance horror with humor makes him the perfect choice to helm this film, which blends suspense, gore, and dark comedy.
Ruben’s previous experience in the genre ensures that Heart Eyes will have a unique tone and pacing, creating an unforgettable movie experience for audiences.
Filming Locations: Where Did Heart Eyes Take Place?
Filming for Heart Eyes began in June 2024 in Auckland, New Zealand, and wrapped up just a month later in July. While many filming details remain under wraps, the trailer offers a glimpse of the beautiful, eerie locations featured in the movie. One particularly notable scene shows a woman fleeing through a vineyard, which adds to the tension and sets the mood for the film.
New Zealand is known for its scenic beauty, and its vineyards are often compared to those in California’s Sonoma County. For moviegoers who appreciate a good glass of wine, it might be fun to grab a bottle of New Zealand wine to enjoy while watching Heart Eyes.
The stunning scenery combined with the film’s terrifying plot promises to create a visual experience that will leave a lasting impression.
Heart Eyes: A Perfect Valentine’s Day Thrill Ride
If you’re tired of the usual romantic comedies or love stories on Valentine’s Day, Heart Eyes offers a unique alternative. The film’s blend of horror, dark comedy, and suspense is perfect for those who want to experience something different on the holiday meant to celebrate love.
With a talented cast, a thrilling storyline, and a mix of humor and gore, Heart Eyes is sure to become a memorable movie for anyone looking for a fun and chilling experience this Valentine’s Day.
As Heart Eyes makes its way to theaters on February 7, 2025, moviegoers can look forward to a fresh take on the holiday, one filled with excitement, suspense, and just enough humor to keep things light-hearted despite the terror lurking around every corner.
Whether you’re going with a significant other, friends, or simply on your own, Heart Eyes promises to provide an unforgettable movie experience for all.
