Rating: R
“Till Death Do Us Part… Or Sooner”
In Heart Eyes, director Josh Ruben (Werewolves Within) delivers a wickedly sharp genre mashup that asks: what happens when love goes horribly, bloodily wrong? Equal parts romantic comedy and slasher flick, Heart Eyes dances on the knife’s edge between sweet and sinister — and it’s an absolute blast.
Plot Overview
Olivia Holt stars as Emma, a hopeless romantic trying to recover from a brutal breakup with her charming but possessive ex, played by Mason Gooding. Encouraged by her sardonic best friend (a scene-stealing Jenna Ortega), Emma joins an exclusive dating app called Heart Eyes. The app promises to match soulmates — but it comes with one warning: “True love costs more than you think.”
Soon enough, Emma meets Noah (Gooding, again — in a clever dual role), a seemingly perfect match. But after their first date ends in a gruesome double homicide — with Noah mysteriously vanishing — Emma realizes that every swipe right comes with deadly consequences. The bodies pile up, and Emma must figure out whether her ‘perfect match’ is stalking her… or if the app itself has a more sinister agenda.
A Bloody Love Story
What makes Heart Eyes stand out is its ability to switch between charming romantic beats and brutal horror sequences seamlessly. Josh Ruben’s direction ensures that the comedic timing never undercuts the terror — and vice versa. One moment you’re giggling at a painfully relatable dating mishap, and the next, you’re gasping as a well-lit date night turns into a blood-soaked nightmare.
The film plays with modern fears around digital intimacy and app-driven relationships, tapping into the paranoia of letting algorithms dictate who we fall for. Is Noah real? Is Emma being gaslit by her own phone? Or is something darker manipulating her every move?
The Cast Shines
Olivia Holt anchors the film with a performance that’s both vulnerable and fiercely determined. Emma isn’t your typical final girl — she’s messy, impulsive, and heartbreakingly relatable. Mason Gooding shines in his dual roles, showing off both his rom-com charm and a disturbingly unhinged side that keeps the audience guessing.
But it’s Jenna Ortega who once again steals the show as Emma’s sarcastic and loyal best friend, Lily. Her quick wit and biting one-liners add levity to even the film’s darkest moments. Ortega and Holt’s chemistry brings a believable warmth to their friendship, raising the stakes when danger creeps closer.
Visually Striking and Intensely Atmospheric
The cinematography by Autumn Eakin (The Invitation) bathes the screen in neon hues — reds, pinks, and purples — creating a dreamlike atmosphere that feels both romantic and nightmarish. The score, composed by Disasterpeace (It Follows), layers eerie synths over tender acoustic melodies, making every romantic moment feel just a little bit cursed.
A Few Stumbles, But No Fatal Wounds
Heart Eyes isn’t without its flaws. The third act leans heavily into exposition, and while the twist is satisfying, it feels slightly rushed. Additionally, some of the supporting characters — especially potential love interests from the app — feel underdeveloped and serve more as plot devices than people.
Final Verdict
Heart Eyes isn’t just a horror movie; it’s a dark love letter to messy romances, the absurdity of modern dating culture, and the desperate, sometimes dangerous desire to find “the one.” Josh Ruben successfully walks the tightrope between slasher horror and romantic comedy, delivering a movie that’s as heartfelt as it is horrifying.
Whether you’re a horror fanatic or a sucker for rom-coms, Heart Eyes offers a thrilling, blood-soaked date night experience. Just remember: sometimes, it’s better to stay single.
Rating: ★★★★☆ (4/5)
Recommendation: A must-watch for fans of Happy Death Day and Jennifer’s Body.[category News, Movie news] [tags Olivia Holt, Mason Gooding, Jenna Ortega, Josh Ruben]
