Love at First Slice: A Killer first Look at “Heart Eyes” (2025)
The horror genre has a new masked menace, and he goes by the name of Heart Eyes. At an early screening at the American Cinematheque's Aero Theatre in Santa Monica on February 4th, audiences got more than just a new slasher flick—they got a full-blown Valentine’s Day horror experience. The cast and crew attended for a post-film Q&A (notably led by actor Mason Gooding, director Josh Ruben, and supporting cast members/horror icons Jordana Brewster and Devon Sawa), the staff handed out glowing, heart-shaped glasses, and a lucky few even snagged official Heart Eyes masks. But beyond the fun promotional goodies, the film itself delivered something fresh and necessary: a razor-sharp blend of horror and rom-com that could cement Heart Eyes as one of the next great horror icons.
(Left) Our titular villain, the murderous Heart Eyes.
Directed by Josh Ruben (Scare Me, Werewolves Within), Heart Eyes is a breakneck mix of romantic comedy and slasher terror. The film leans into classic rom-com tropes—meet-cutes, love triangles, and grand gestures—before flipping them on their heads by stacking up an overtly violent body count. It's a fast-paced, self-aware, and cheesy ride that winks at genre traditions while simultaneously slashing them to bits. The result? A horror-comedy hybrid that feels fresh, funny, and genuinely suspenseful.
During the Q&A, Ruben spoke about his desire to carve out space for new horror legends, and Heart Eyes might just fit the bill. The film's titular villain—donning a grotesque heart-shaped mask—strikes the perfect balance between eerie and enigmatic, like the offspring of Ghostface and Cupid on a murder spree.
Horror fans know that the best slasher villains come with a signature look, a haunting presence, and an unforgettable motive. Heart Eyes ticks all those boxes, setting the stage for a potential franchise that could rival the likes of Halloween or Scream.
(Right) Co-stars Olivia Holt and Mason Gooding.
With its snappy dialogue, inventive kills, and genuine laughs, Heart Eyes offers a killer good time for horror and rom-com lovers alike. It’s the kind of movie that leaves audiences howling—both in laughter and terror. And if the enthusiastic reception at the Aero Theatre is any indication, Heart Eyes might be here to stay for a few sequels.
So, horror fans, get ready to fall in love—just don’t let your guard down. Heart Eyes is watching, and no couple is safe this Valentine’s Day.
Heart Eyes hits theaters this Friday, February 7th. Whether you’ll be snuggled up with your love interest or trekking to the AMC solo, Heart Eyes is a perfect way for horror fans to get in the Valentine’s Day spirit. Check out the trailer below.
