What's After the Blog?
Opinions • reception
Heart Eyes (2025) Review: Critics and Fan Opinions on Reception and Performance
Explore the intriguing reception of Heart Eyes, the thrilling Valentine's Day slasher film, as we analyze fan reactions and critic reviews focusing on its storytelling and performance within the franchise context.
June 26, 2024
As Heart Eyes (2025) bursts onto screens, blending romance with thriller and horror, the starkly contrasting reviews reflect a divisive reception among both critics and audiences. The buzz surrounding this slasher-romcom hybrid, released just in time for Valentine’s Day, has sparked conversations about its unique placement within the dual realms of comedy and horror. This article dives deep into audience impressions and critical perspectives to provide a comprehensive analysis of how Heart Eyes is being perceived.
From the film’s premiere, Heart Eyes garnered mixed reviews, showcasing a blend of praise and critique. Critics from marked platforms such as The Wrap extolled its engaging love story intertwined with horror elements. They stated, “Heart Eyes seems destined to become a Valentine’s Day favorite… a great and charming love story, and that even rarer romantic comedy with a great and savage serial killer.” Conversely, others like Little White Lies belittled it as “vacuous and confused,” lamenting the film’s apparent inability to balance its genres effectively.
On platforms like Metacritic, the disparity was stark. While Empire rated it positively with an 80, describing it as “an affectionate bloody valentine to both romcoms and horror,” user reviews told another story. Viewers criticized the weak dialogue and perceived mediocre character chemistry, with one user bluntly stating, “Complete trash.” This fluctuation in feedback highlights not only the film’s ambition but also its shortcomings in execution.
User reviews on platforms such as Rotten Tomatoes reveal stark polarization regarding Heart Eyes. On one end, users like MrDelorian praised it for its blend of horror and comedy, stating that it is a “great blend of horror and comedy… BLOODY and fun kills,” praising the unique character design of the killer. Other reviews, however, paint a bleak picture. A user known as Xlibrisvirtutis countered this by declaring, “Nothing here worthy of redemption,” criticizing the film’s lack of authenticity and engagement.
Reactions vary broadly, as some viewers appreciate its inventive takes on slasher norms—drawing comparisons to iconic classics such as Scream—while others felt it fell flat, struggling to create a sustainable comedic narrative among the horror tropes. The film’s blend of genres undoubtedly evokes nostalgia and excitement for some, yet induces groans among others who feel disillusioned at its execution.
While the film aims to be both a romantic comedy and a slasher horror, its reception by varying demographics illustrated an interesting split. Younger audiences—often more inclined towards horror-comedy blends—tended to find enjoyment in it, appreciating the aesthetic and nostalgic allusions to films like When Harry Met Sally melded with suspenseful thrills. CouchSoup remarked, “Heart Eyes is here to steal your heart… and maybe stab it a few times,” signifying a positive take from younger viewers seeking a novel pick for Valentine’s.
Contrastingly, older and more discerning viewers who look for depth and authenticity in storytelling expressed dissatisfaction. Critics from outlets like The Guardian noted that although the premise was “fun,” the execution left much to be desired, emphasizing that the narrative lacked coherence and focus, trivializing its potential impact. Reviews echo similar sentiments, asserting that while the film had its moments of wit and dark humor, it ultimately erred on the side of predictability.
Diving into the meat of the reviews, the thematic juxtaposition between romance and horror emerges palpably. Critics like those from Paste Magazine posited that “Heart Eyes can’t help but swoon at the rich tradition of slashers,” underscoring a self-aware homage to horror lore. Conversely, users expressed frustration at its lost identity. For instance, MovieWarfare encapsulated the film’s identity crisis well: “It turns into an incredibly corny romcom—the dialogue is sappy… don’t go into this expecting a full-on slasher horror movie.”
Moreover, the overarching sentiment emphasizes the film’s attempt to tackle traditional gender roles and the concept of love under duress. Reviews hint at broader societal themes lurking below its surface, engaging viewers from various angles whether they resonate with the romantic element or the gory sequences coupling a burgeoning romance with danger.
In summary, Heart Eyes has emerged as a polarizing addition to the cinematic landscape with its ambitious melding of genres. Critics and users alike find themselves divided—enthusiasts of horror-comedy relish its unconventional merriment, while others lament its failed potential, noting anguished narratives and script superficiality. As the film settles into its run, it will be fascinating to observe how it influences future projects in the genre, echoing the tension between romance and horror in a saturated market.
For those intrigued further by the reception of Heart Eyes (2025), be sure to check out the movie page and dive into more reviews and summaries on What’s After the Movie for an in-depth analysis.
Resource | Link |
---|---|
Metacritic | Metacritic |
Rotten Tomatoes | Rotten Tomatoes |
IMDb | IMDb |
TMDB | TMDB |
Wikipedia | Wikipedia |
Just Watch | Just Watch |
Box Office Mojo | Box Office Mojo |
Movie Insider | Movie Insider |
Media Stinger | Media Stinger |
Letterboxd | Letterboxd |
Common Sense Media | Common Sense |
Explore more about the film’s journey and reactions on What’s After the Movie and its various features, including quizzes and games, and profiles of people involved in the film. Dive deep into movie analysis, box office insights, and award details for Heart Eyes and many more films.
For those seeking a comprehensive breakdown of the narrative, check out the ending explained page too!
What's After the Movie?
Not sure whether to stay after the credits? Find out!
Explore Our Movie Platform
New Movie Releases (2025)
Famous Movie Actors
Top Film Production Studios
Movie Plot Summaries & Endings
Major Movie Awards & Winners
Best Concert Films & Music Documentaries
© 2025 What's After the Movie. All rights reserved.