Zoë Kravitz’s directorial debut “Blink Twice” (2024), starring big names such as Channing Tatum, Naomi Ackie and Christian Slater, was released Aug. 23. While the film’s story may be slim on the surface, its execution and direction make for a great watch.
The film follows Frida (Ackie), a cocktail waitress and nail artist, and her best friend Jess (Alia Shawkat), who are invited to join Slater King (Tatum) and other attendees to vacation on Slater’s private island. Upon arriving, the two meet Slater’s roster of business partners, including Tom (Haley Joel Osment) and Cody (Simon Rex), as well as other women invited to the island, such as Sarah (Adria Arjona) and Heather (Trew Mullen). Days are full of reckless fun until Jess suddenly disappears. Frida begins to worry, and with the help of Sarah, the two slowly mentally recover from what horrifying situation they are in.
Films like “Blink Twice,” where characters are stuck in one location and must recover from their situations, are always exciting and anxiety-inducing to watch. The idea for the film is similar to other films like Jordan Peele’s “Get Out” (2017), and “Blink Twice” is a nightmare.
Kravitz’s direction and style for the film are on par with filmmakers already in the industry. There are a lot of montages featuring sharp editing and great music, with clear attention to specific shots and clear knowledge of camera placement. For her first feature, it is a professional job by Kravitz.
The film also has beautiful cinematography from Adam Newport-Berra; every frame is pleasant to view. It is full of bright, vibrant colors making for a good contrast to the darker, serious scenes taking place throughout. The film leads the audience to believe it will be one thing based on how it looks but is entirely different instead.
All of the performers do a wonderful job in the film. Ackie does an amazing job as Frida, and she has the same energy and personality as other recent scream queens like Mia Goth and Samara Weaving. Ackie accurately portrays someone who just wants to have a good time, even if the opportunity is ruined.
Arjona is equally as terrific. Famous for her previous role in Richard Linklater’s “Hit Man” (2023), Arjona embodies Sarah’s character well. The audience believes she is a reality show star set within the film’s universe. She butts heads with Frida early on, but they grow close after figuring out the truth behind King.
Tatum’s performance as King is nothing short of glorious as he gets into playing the character. For the longest time, Tatum was known as the pretty boy who is usually a good person in most of the films he stars in. Here, Tatum completely erases the claim.
He plays King in a way where the audience will always keep guessing what he will do next. He is an unpredictable villain played by an actor who has proven he can earn the villainous role.
Some weak script decisions are how the women on the island forget what happens to them. It is not necessarily bad writing, but it is rather not enough material to convince the audience what is happening can happen.
“Blink Twice” is a solid directorial debut from Kravitz and has a talented cast of actors. If you’re looking to do something this weekend, do yourself a favor and watch this film.
Rating: 3.5/5
