Out now from Screen Gems, the new horror comedy Heart Eyes was directed by Josh Ruben, and written by Phillip Murphy, Christopher Landon, and Michael Kennedy. Starring Olivia Holt and Mason Gooding and featuring Jordana Brewster and Devon Sawa, in the film a masked maniac with glowing, red eyes returns every Valentine’s Day to terrorize unsuspecting couples. Composer Jay Wadley’s score reflects “lush rom-com melodies, spine-tingling horror motifs, and comedic beats,” reflecting the film’s unique tone.

We spoke with composer Jay Wadley to discuss his work on Heart Eyes, along with how he drew from the score work of John Debney, Bernard Herrmann, Christopher Young, and Krzysztof Penderecki to create Heart Eyes’ musical palette.