Warning: This article contains potential SPOILERS for Heart Eyes.The 2025 horror movie,Heart Eyes, has proven itself to be a hit with viewers and is the perfect watch for those who enjoy being terrified by theScreamfranchise. Directed by Josh Ruben, the slasher movie follows two workmates who are mistaken for a couple by a serial killer, who is recognizable for their mask with eyes in the shape of hearts.The cast ofHeart Eyesincludes Olivia Holt and Mason Gooding as Ally and Jay, respectively, who do whatever they can to survive, but eventually discover there is more to the killer than what they originally believed.
Heart Eyesreceived positive reviewsupon its release, for its casting, directing, and screenplay, which was co-written by Christopher Landon, the director and screenwriter of other notably successful horror movies, includingHappy Death Day,Freaky, and theParanormal Activityfranchise.Heart Eyesbecame the first horror 2025 movie to pass the $25 million box office milestoneand has an impressive score of 82% with critics on Rotten Tomatoes.Heart Eyeshas been described as a self-aware thrillerthat pays homage to many previous horror movies, and has been positively compared to the critical success of theScreamfranchise.
Heart Eyes Is A Romantic Horror Movie With Lots Of Scream Similarities & It’s Still Playing In Theaters
Heart Eyes & Scream Both Contain Terrifying Masked Serial Killers
Heart Eyesstands out among other horror movies in recent by blending both horror and romantic genres together in its plot. Throughout the movie,Heart Eyesreferences many successful romance moviesand has several connections to theScreamfranchise through its gory killings and humorous approach to the horror genre. Similar toScream,Heart Eyesis not afraid to be self-aware in its portrayal of the slasher genre, while also containing many twists and false clues to the identity of the Heart Eyes serial killer, eerily similar tohow the Ghostface killer’s identity was revealed in theScreamfranchise.
Where To Watch Heart Eyes: Showtimes & Streaming Status
The slasher film Heart Eyes is an exciting addition to the horror subgenre, and it will have a theatrical wide release before hitting streaming.
The biggest aspect ofHeart Eyesthat is similar toScreamis its depiction of its serial killer character. The Heart Eyes serial killer stands out throughout the movie due to its iconic mask with heart-shaped eyes, similar to how Ghostface stood out with their elongated white masks inScream. Just like Ghostface, the Heart Eyes killer taunts their victims through phone calls and inspires a fanboy killer who meets a gruesome demise. Its clever similarities toScreamgiveHeart Eyesthe potential to be ranked asone of the best romantic horror movies, and can still be enjoyed in theaters for those who enjoy an epic slasher.
Heart Eyes Can Hold You Over Until Scream 7 & Mason Gooding’s Return
Another inadvertent connection betweenHearts EyesandScreamis the appearance of Mason Gooding. Gooding rose to international attention for his performance inScream(2022) as Chad Meeks-Martin, a student and athlete at Woodsboro High and Mindy’s twin brother. He later returns inScream VI(2023) and, alongside his friends, Sam, Mindy, and Tara, fights against Ghostface.Scream VI’s endingsees Chad surviving a vicious attack from Ghostface and being taken to hospital, setting up a future return to the franchise. In December 2024,it was confirmed that Gooding would return as Chad Meeks-Martinin the upcomingScream 7(viaVariety).
While viewers wait forScream 7to arrive in theaters in February 2026, they can enjoy Mason Gooding’s performance as Jay Simmons inHeart Eyes. In theScreamfranchise, Chad serves as more of a background character alongside his twin sister, Mindy, whileinHeart Eyes, Jay is given a better opportunity to fightand, through his eventual romance with Ally, is able to showcase his strength and humor. Jay also manages to take down two of the Heart Eyes killers,something that Gooding’sScreamcharacter failed to accomplish. Gooding’s performance throughoutHeart Eyesproves his skills as a leading actor and can keep viewers on edge until the release ofScream 7in 2026.
Source:Variety
Heart Eyes
In Heart Eyes, two co-workers working late on Valentine’s Day are mistaken for a couple by the infamous Heart Eyes Killer. Directed by Josh Ruben and written by Michael Kennedy and Christopher Landon, the film stars Mason Gooding and Olivia Holt.
