Romance Is Dead: Slash-Horror Film Heart Eyes, Parallels Iconic Scream Franchise While Crafting Its Own Voice

By Arrianah Jones

If you’re a fan of romcom-horror hybrids, Heart Eyes is a must-see film. Produced by the same team behind Scream VI, directed by Josh Ruben with writers, Phillip Murphy, Christopher Landon and Michael Kennedy, this film draws clear parallels to the Scream franchise while standing out on its own. Filled with plot twists, jump scares and gore, Heart Eyes leaves viewers with unanswered questions that linger long after the credits.
 

The R rated film was released on Feb. 7, and received generally positive reviews from critics. Starring celebs, Olivia Holt, Mason Gooding, Michaela Watkins, Devon Sawa, Jordana Brewster and Gigi Zumbado (who also appeared in the Scream T.V. series), Heart Eyes offers a star-studded cast that elevates the film’s overall performance and entertainment value.
 

Set against the backdrop of the city of Seattle, the movie introduces the “Heart Eyed Killer” (HEK), a serial murderer who’s been terrorizing couples on Valentine’s Day for the past two years. His grotesque, skin-like mask and stitched smile smeared with blood gives him an unsettling appearance. His weapon of choice? Arrows and knives. And his aim? Unmatched—he never misses.
 

The film follows Ally McCabe (Oliva Holt), and Jay Simmons (Mason Gooding), who become the HEK’s next targets when he mistakes them for a couple. As they navigate a deadly cat-and-mouse game, viewers are launched into a whirlwind of suspense, bloodshed and the blossoming of newfound love.
 

Both Scream and Heart Eyes share the unique ability to blend humor with horror. Scream’s Ghostface is known for taunting his victims through phone calls, often lacing the conversations with jokes, or seemingly innocent banter before striking. Heart Eyes mimicked this iconic element towards the end of the film when Ally received a call from an unknown number with a distorted voice on the other line. The film uses this comedic device to create a sense of paranoia, leveraging communication as a weapon to heighten the sense of dread.
 

This psychological manipulation is further echoed in the dynamic between the killers. Heart Eyes plays with the concept of betrayal and chaos when the identity of the HEK is revealed to be a duo, specifically two individuals who are initially perceived as allies to Ally and Jay. This plot device is a clear homage to Scream’s dual-killer killer setup, making their motives even more unpredictable and dangerous.
 

Another signature Scream element that Heart Eyes channels is the “classic scream”— no pun intended. While nearly every horror film features at least one gut-wrenching cry for help, Scream perfected the moment with camera angles focusing directly on the victim, amplifying the tension and terror. Heart Eyes follows suit, honing in on moments of pure panic, capturing a similar intensity as the characters are slaughtered in settings where help seems just out of reach.
 

From the film’s self-aware, meta-approach to the slasher genre and its perfect blend of horror, romance and dark comedy, Heart Eyes draws clear parallels with the Scream franchise. It highlights the iconic elements that make the producers recognizable while giving the genre a fresh take.
 

If you’re a fan of slasher films with an underlying love story, Heart Eyes is for you. It’s a movie that’ll keep you guessing, while also making you laugh and maybe even cringe. Whether you’re a die-hard horror fan, or just looking for something fresh in the genre, Heart Eyes checks all the right boxes.