Blink Twice

Zoë Kravitz makes an impressive directorial debut with Blink Twice, a psychological thriller that blends social commentary with suspense and horror, delivering a fresh, gripping tale that keeps audiences on the edge of their seats from start to finish. Starring Naomi Ackie as Frida and Channing Tatum as Slater King, the film delves deep into themes of power, gender dynamics and the superficial allure of wealth, delivering a story that is as thought-provoking as it is unsettling.

The plot centers on Frida, a cocktail waitress played by Naomi Ackie, who becomes captivated by Slater King, a tech billionaire played by Channing Tatum. Slater King is a man with a troubled past, having been embroiled in a scandal that forced him to withdraw from his company following accusations of misconduct. Despite his tarnished reputation, Slater King remains a figure of fascination for Frida, who, along with her best friend Jess, played by Alia Shawkat, is drawn into his orbit when they are invited to join him for a getaway to his private island.

The island, initially presented as a luxurious paradise, quickly becomes a place of tension and dread. Zoë Kravitz, who co-wrote the screenplay with E.T. Feigenbaum, masterfully builds up this sense of unease, using the island's idyllic setting as a stark contrast to the darkness that slowly begins to set in. Adam Newport-Berra's photography captures the beauty of the island, but this beauty is tinged with something sinister, a visual metaphor for the film's exploration of the facade that wealth and power can create.

Naomi Ackie's portrayal of Frida is remarkable, bringing depth and complexity to a character caught between her desires and her realization that something is very wrong. Naomi Ackie deftly conveys Frida's journey from infatuation to horror, her performance anchoring the film even as the narrative becomes increasingly chaotic. Frida is an easy character to root for, not because she's perfect, but because Naomi Ackie brings a raw vulnerability and strength to her role, making Frida a fully realized and relatable protagonist.

The role of Slater King, played by Channing Tatum, is equally compelling, using his charm to mask the darker aspects of his character. Channing Tatum plays Slater King with a mixture of affability and menace, creating a character both sympathetic and deeply unsettling. As the story progresses, it becomes clear that Slater King is not just a wealthy man who has made mistakes, but someone deeply manipulative, who uses his power to control those around him. Channing Tatum's performance is a revelation, showing a side of the actor we'd never seen before, one that is both terrifying and captivating.

The supporting cast, including Christian Slater as Vic, Simon Rex as Cody and Geena Davis as Stacy, add further layers to the film's complex narrative. The character of Vic, played by Christian Slater, is particularly interesting, as he seems to enjoy the perks of wealth and power without questioning the moral compromises that come with them. Cody, the chef who prepares sumptuous meals for Slater King's guests, is another intriguing character, both charming and slightly off-putting. Geena Davis, as Slater King's assistant Stacy, delivers a performance that is both comic and tragic, capturing the contradictions of a woman who is deeply competent but totally subservient to her boss.

Adria Arjona, who plays Sarah, a reality TV star who joins Frida and Jess on the island, is another star of the cast. Adria Arjona brings sharpness and intensity to Sarah, a character who at first seems superficial but quickly reveals herself to be much more complex. The relationship between Sarah and Frida is one of the film's most interesting dynamics, evolving from jealousy to a reluctant alliance as both women begin to realize the true nature of the danger that threatens them. Adria Arjona's performance is complex and convincing, making Sarah both understandable and enigmatic.

Zoë Kravitz's direction is assured and elegant, demonstrating great visual sense and a deep understanding of the film's themes. She uses the island setting to good effect, creating a sense of claustrophobia and isolation that reflects the characters' growing awareness that they are trapped in a dangerous situation. Kathryn J. Schubert's editing is precise and disorienting, contributing to the film's tense atmosphere. The sound design, with its emphasis on eerie noises and silences, further enhances the sense of dread that pervades the film.

One of the most striking aspects of Blink Twice is its commentary on the post-#MeToo era, particularly how society treats powerful men who have been accused of misconduct. Slater King's public apology tour, during which he attempts to rehabilitate his image through philanthropy and therapy, is a scathing critique of the ease with which such men can regain their status. The film explores the idea that real change is often superficial, a performance designed to appease the audience rather than address the underlying issues. The screenplay by Zoë Kravitz and E.T. Feigenbaum don't shy away from these themes, instead using them to add depth and resonance to the story.

As Blink Twice enters its third act, the tension reaches a boiling point. The slowness of the film's first two-thirds gives way to a series of shocking revelations and violent confrontations. While the final act is undeniably thrilling, it also feels a little rushed, with some plot threads left unresolved and certain characters not fully explored. This in no way detracts from the overall impact of the film, which remains a powerful and stimulating cinematic work.
The film's conclusion is both brutal and cathartic, as Frida and Sarah unite to confront the truth about Slater King and his island. The final scenes are intense and emotional, leaving the audience with much to ponder. While the resolution may not satisfy everyone, it is in keeping with the film's themes of power, control and the ways in which women can reclaim their power in the face of male domination.

Blink Twice is a convincing and accomplished debut from Zoë Kravitz, making her a filmmaker to watch. The film's blend of psychological horror, social satire and character-driven drama sets it apart in the genre, and the performances of Naomi Ackie, Channing Tatum and the rest of the cast elevate it even higher. While the film is not without its faults, it is a bold and ambitious work that tackles important issues with intelligence and style. Blink Twice is a film that will stay with you long after the credits roll, and is a testament to Zoë Kravitz's talent and vision as a director.

Blink Twice
Directed by Zoë Kravitz
Written by Zoë Kravitz, E.T. Feigenbaum
Produced by Bruce Cohen, Tiffany Persons, Garret Levitz, Zoë Kravitz, Channing Tatum
Starring Naomi Ackie, Channing Tatum, Christian Slater, Simon Rex, Adria Arjona, Kyle MacLachlan, Haley Joel Osment, Geena Davis, Alia Shawkat
Cinematography : Adam Newport-Berra
Edited by Kathryn J. Schubert
Music by Chanda Dancy
Production companies: Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer, Free Association, this is important, Bold Choices
Distributed by Amazon MGM Studios (United States), Warner Bros. Pictures (France)
Release dates : August 8, 2024 (DGA Theater), August 21, 2024 (France), August 23, 2024 (United States)
Running time : 102 minutes

Seen on August 21, 2024 at Gaumont Disney Village, Room 4 seat A19

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