February is shaping up to be an exciting month for horror movie enthusiasts, with two highly anticipated upcoming releases: Heart Eyes and Send Help. While each film embodies different horror subgenres, they both promise to keep audiences on the edge of their seats.
Heart Eyes, set to release on February 7th, is positioned as the latest entry within the seasonal slasher genre. Directed by Josh Ruben, known for his previous works such as Werewolves Within and Scare Me, this film tells the story of Ally (played by Olivia Holt), who finds herself in grave danger when her marketing campaign takes a deadly turn. The titular slasher appears to target couples, making Valentine's Day its hunting ground.
With Heart Eyes, Ruben aims to inject classic slasher tropes with a modern twist by incorporating elements relevant to today's social media-focused society. The film is delivered as both horror and dark comedy, featuring the natural chemistry between Holt and her co-star Mason Gooding. Despite its lighthearted moments, some genre fans might find the horror elements underwhelming. Critics, including outlets like ComicBook.com, have noted the film’s straightforward approach, stating it feels more like "scratching an itch" rather than presenting groundbreaking material.
The humor is well-balanced throughout, and Ruben's comedic roots certainly shine through, engaging audiences with witty sequences amid the chaos. Nonetheless, Heart Eyes is criticized for not delivering memorable horror aesthetics or intense scares and is seen as having limited creativity with its villain, leaving some avid horror fans unsatisfied. With its February release, it remains to be seen whether this film will become another classic or simply fade from memory.
On the other end of the horror spectrum is Send Help, directed by the legendary Sam Raimi, marking his return to the genre after over a decade. Known for his work on the beloved Evil Dead franchise and the Spider-Man trilogy, Raimi’s next directorial venture is generating considerable buzz. While the film's full release date is still uncertain, its premise alone has intrigued many fans.
The survival thriller, which stars Dylan O'Brien and Rachel McAdams, centers around co-workers stranded on a desert island. It has been described as "Cast Away meets Misery," hinting at blends of horror and survival elements interspersed with potential dark humor. This intriguing setup offers fertile ground for horror aficionados, as speculation around character dynamics and psychological tensions rise.
Fans are eager to see how the film's writers, Damian Shannon and Mark Swift—known for blending horror with comedic flavors—will shape the narrative and its eventual tone. Given Raimi’s rich history of infusing humor with horror, audiences expect Send Help to include both chilling and amusing moments, yet its ultimate direction remains shrouded in mystery.
Another point of speculation revolves around the possible cameo of Bruce Campbell, the cult-favorite star of the Evil Dead series. Campbell’s involvement has been missed by fans in recent Raimi projects, and if included, it could deliver additional nostalgic weight to the storyline. The movie's isolation setting limits character appearances, which emphasizes Campbell's potential cameo as likely having to fit outside the conventional narrative.
While both Heart Eyes and Send Help cater to distinct audiences, their February releases reflect the versatility of the horror genre. The former leans toward light-hearted, slasher fun, perfect for Valentine’s Day spirit, whereas the latter marks Raimi's strong return to the horror thrills veterans have long awaited.
With multiple horror films releasing soon, fans of the genre will have much to feast upon. Those seeking blood-soaked thrills may enjoy the light-hearted antics of Heart Eyes, whereas fans desiring something with gravitas and psychological depth may want to keep their eye on Send Help and Raimi's directorial choices. Both films signify the present and future of horror, where romance intertwines with terror, adding to the ever-evolving cinematic folklore of this beloved genre.