Don't let the trailers fool you. While Heart Eyes is quite effective as a slasher, it's really a parody of the genre's gnarly kills, ridiculous twists, and general disregard for logic. It's also a sharp send-up of romantic comedies, too. It's extremely self-aware, often very funny, and sometimes pretty scary, too.
Olivia Holt (a veteran of teen thrillers) stars as Ally, a marketing director who's sworn off love after a bad breakup. But of course dashing consultant Jay (Mason Gooding) has just arrived in town. He's there to save her disastrous ad campaign, and maybe get her to believe in romance again. The movie knows just how ridiculous this set-up is, and it isn't long before the goopy romance turns into a gory horror movie. The Heart Eyes Killer, who targets affectionate couples, sets its sights on the pair, chasing them across such obvious locations as a dark alley, a creaky carousel, and an abandoned greenhouse.
This level of cleverness and absurdity has come to be a calling card of co-writer Christopher Landon. He's worked on the Paranormal Activity franchise, but also written such witty parodies as Freaky and Happy Death Day. If you enjoyed those, this is in the same vein, though noticeably more violent. You'll see some slayings you've probably never seen before, including with a wine press and tire iron. There are also some nice touches, including references to His Girl Friday and the Fast & Furious franchise. The serial killer also doesn't discriminate in dispatching victims. Couples of all gender identities and sexual orientations are sliced and diced.
If Heart Eyes has a flaw, it's a climax that overstays its welcome, with an epilogue that's a little too cutesy after such a ruthless movie. But overall it's a terrific horror-comedy, and the perfect counter-programming for lovey-dovey Valentine's Day garbage.
