Josh Ruben's 'Heart Eyes' Blends Romantic Comedy, Horror for Valentine's Day Release

Josh Ruben's upcoming film 'Heart Eyes,' set for release on February 7, combines elements of a romantic comedy and a slasher horror film, featuring a character known as the 'Heart Eyes Killer' who targets couples on Valentine's Day. The narrative follows Ally, played by Olivia Holt, and Jay, portrayed by Mason Gooding, who are mistakenly seen as a couple while trying to survive the killer's rampage. Ruben aims to balance genuine romantic moments with horror, drawing inspiration from both classic rom-coms and slasher films, particularly mentioning 'Jason Lives' as a key influence. The film's production timeline was notably swift, with Ruben pitching the idea on Valentine's Day 2024 and the film releasing just under a year later. He emphasizes the importance of the cast's chemistry in making the blend of genres work effectively, avoiding any knowing winks in their performances. 'Heart Eyes' is positioned as a holiday film, offering a unique twist on traditional Valentine’s Day narratives.