Blink Twice Review: Actors like Greta Gerwig, Emerald Fennell, and Jordan Peele transitioning to writing and directing always offer a fascinating exploration. Their deep familiarity with filmmaking and the influence of their industry experiences shape their projects uniquely. Zoë Kravitz’s debut film, Blink Twice, is a case in point. She has mentioned that her upbringing among influential figures and the impact of the #MeToo movement guided her in crafting this narrative. Although her initial effort as a writer-director has its ups and downs, Kravitz clearly shows promise in excelling both behind and in front of the camera.
Blink Twice(2024)
- Genre: Drama, Thriller
- Synopsis: Tech billionaire Slater King invites cocktail waitress Frida to a lavish vacation on his private island after meeting her at a gala. As unsettling events unfold, Frida begins to doubt her own reality.
- Release Date: August 23, 2024
- Director: Zoë Kravitz
- Cast: Naomi Ackie, Channing Tatum, Christian Slater, Simon Rex, Adria Arjona, Kyle MacLachlan, Haley Joel Osment, Geena Davis, Alia Shawkat, Levon Hawke, Trew Mullen, Saul Williams, Liz Caribel Sierra, Cris Costa, Julian Sedgwick
- Runtime: 102 Minutes
What Is ‘Blink Twice’ About?
Blink Twice opens with Frida (Naomi Ackie) scrolling through her phone, discovering an interview with tech mogul Slater King (Channing Tatum). In his apology, Slater promises to improve himself by retreating to an island he owns, where he plans to undergo therapy and self-reflection.
Frida and her friend Jess (Alia Shawkat) meet Slater at a glamorous event, leading him to invite them to his island along with a mix of eclectic guests, including reality show star Sarah (Adria Arjona), models Camilla (Liz Caribel) and Heather (Trew Mullen), and a group of partygoers. The seemingly idyllic retreat quickly turns dark, and Frida and Jess must uncover the hidden truths behind the facade before it’s too late.
‘Blink Twice’ Has a Pacing Problem
The film features stunning visuals, with Adam Newport-Berra’s cinematography creating a luxurious and immersive environment. Despite the beautiful imagery, the film’s pacing suffers as it lingers too long in the initial honeymoon phase. The repetitive use of ominous phrases from island workers, while intended to foreshadow, feels clichéd.
When the narrative shifts, the transition lacks the necessary build-up, making the story’s climax feel abrupt. The friendship between Frida and Jess, crucial to the film, seems to falter without a satisfying resolution. The ending, intended as an epilogue, feels unearned and rushed, lacking the groundwork needed to justify its dramatic twist.
‘Blink Twice’ Feels Like a Collage of Other Films — With a Small Twist
Blink Twice echoes numerous films throughout its runtime, drawing comparisons to psychological thrillers like Get Out and Don’t Worry Darling, female revenge tales such as Ready or Not and Promising Young Woman, and class satire like Glass Onion and Triangle of Sadness. This amalgamation affects its originality, as its themes of patriarchal oppression and rape culture are explored in familiar ways.
However, the film does offer a fresh perspective by delving into how fawning serves as a defense mechanism, highlighting the everyday struggles women face in navigating dangerous interactions. This focus provides a new angle on the topic, adding depth to its exploration of gender dynamics.
‘Blink Twice’ Features a Bevy of Excellent Performances
Naomi Ackie and Adria Arjona excel in conveying the tension between outward cheerfulness and inner fear. Their ability to maintain composure amidst rising panic is impressive.
The cast as a whole delivers strong performances, with Channing Tatum and Geena Davis standing out. Tatum effectively uses his charm to deepen his role’s complexity, while Davis provides comedic relief and adds depth to her character as Slater’s overburdened assistant.
Blink Twice may not break new ground, but it offers a slightly different take on familiar themes. Despite its pacing issues and an inconsistent ending, the film’s bold, anxiety-filled climax and strong performances make it a notable debut for Kravitz. I look forward to her future projects and the stories she will bring to life.
