A promotional movie poster for the 2024 Valentine’s Day horror film: “Heart Eyes.”
tvinsider.com|Courtesy
February can be celebrated by sharing love. This year, a “masked maniac” with red heart shaped eyes terrorizing and stalking couples can be a part of that. The film “Heart Eyes” directed by Josh Ruben is a slasher horror movie with a dash of romantic comedy.
“Heart Eyes” was released on Feb. 7 from the producers of “Scream.” This film follows Ally McCabe, played by Olivia Holt. Her love interest is a man named Jay Simmons, played by heartthrob Mason Gooding. Both characters are stalked and possibly become victims to the town’s serial killer, Heart Eyes.
A shared kiss to make an ex jealous was enough for these co-workers to get on the Heart Eyes killer’s radar, despite the masked maniac only killing couples each Valentine’s Day. As the two co-workers figure out their feelings, they must also outsmart this killer terrorizing Seattle, with many plot twists you won’t want to miss out on. The film “Heart Eyes” leaves the viewers guessing who Heart Eyes is.
Detective Jeanette Shaw, played by Jordana Brewster, was the main suspect throughout the film. Her presence at moments of each investigation, often appearing after or near the scene of an attack feels a little too convenient to longtime horror fans. Making audiences question whether she is just dedicated to stopping and finding the Heart Eyes killer or if she has a deeper connection to the masked killer, keeping viewers on the edge.
Brewster’s character wasn’t the only one that stood out. David Shaw, played by Yoson An, was also deemed suspicious. Shaw had access to technology giving him a potential advantage in tracking the victims, allowing him to stay one step ahead of the investigation on the Heart Eyes killer. He is projected as a background character who randomly hits on Ally. In many horror films, this type of character ends up being revealed as the mastermind, making him look like a potential suspect.
This movie overall is not your average classic slasher horror movie. What makes this film stand out from the others is the plot taking place on Valentine’s Day and the mix of the two genres. This film is filled with humorous jokes and scenes that keep us on the edge of our seats.
Valentine’s Day normally is a day couples go out to eat or stay in and watch a movie, not having to worry about a masked serial killer on the loose. A movie with a concept never seen before is worth the watch.
AMC theaters host $5 movie nights on Tuesdays. The movie “Heart Eyes” is an attention grabber and seemed like it was worth the watch to quite a few people. “Heart Eyes” is unique in it being a Valentine’s Day horror movie.
There is an AMC theater on 1001 Lynnhaven Mall Loop, just 20 minutes away from Virginia Wesleyan’s campus. If you have the chance to see this movie do not miss the opportunity.
By Abee Cassidy
arcassidy@vwu.edu
