The slasher film feels like it’s going through a transformational stage right now.
While the formula is well known, writers are throwing different plot strands into the mix to keep it fresh and surprising.
In the case of Josh Rubens’ Heart Eyes, he attempts to blend the gory slasher with a rom-com you may see on the Hallmark Channel – and largely succeeds.
The main reason Heart Eyes is a winner is the electric duo of Olivia Holt and Mason Gooding (Scream 5&6). Their will-they-won’t-they plot is the heartbeat of the film.
Gooding is well-versed in the slasher from his bloody encounters with Ghostface, and Holt has already remixed the slasher with the fun time travel slasher Totally Killer.
Devon Sawa also continues his horror hot streak in a minor role plus The Faculty alumni Jordana Brewster is ample support as a town cop trying to solve the crimes.
On the flip side, we have a vicious and creative killer who will stop at nothing to carve up couples on Valentine’s Day. Rubens also crafts two of the best slasher set pieces of the past few years, including a stand-out on an abandoned carousel.
The creative team know their slashers too, pulling bits and bobs from Halloween and even 90s slashers like Urban Legend plus the killer’s mask has ‘future cult icon’ scrawled all over it.
While it will be tied to Valentine’s like other slashers of yesteryear are tied to holidays and occasions, Heart Eyes feels like it will reward repeat viewings and has definite franchise potential.
Heart Eyes is screening now in UK cinemas.
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