Blink Twice: Film Review
After starring in top movies like The Batman, Kimi and Mad Max: Fury Road, actress Zoe Kravitz has turned her hand to writing and directing – and the result, Blink Twice, is a very promising debut.
The film follows waitress Frida (Naomi Ackie), who meets tech billionaire Slater King (Channing Tatum) while working at his fundraising gala. She and her bestie Jess (Alia Shawkat) get invited to stay on his private island for what is essentially one long party. When Jess goes missing, Frida realises there is something evil going on.
Blink Twice is a gripping summer thriller that’ll keep you guessing for a long time. Kravitz had a bold vision and a lot to say and she remained in control of that throughout. It probably takes a bit too long to get to the reveal (though I quite enjoyed watching them just vibe) but once it does, Kravitz takes her story to another level, unleashing a dark and intense third act. I felt so on edge, not knowing what was going to happen next. It is violent, vengeful and ruthless and I enjoyed it a lot.
The film reminded me of Midsommar and Don’t Worry Darling but it doesn’t take itself as seriously as those. This is surprisingly funny and I laughed a bunch of times. Kravitz has a strong command of tone and capably balances the jokes and thrills, and she often takes the sting out of a serious moment with a quip. She tries to keep it light and keep it moving – we don’t dwell on anything for too long. Even in the final act, with its sobering reveals and bloody violence, there is still plenty of dark humour. I respected that.
Casting Tatum as a villain is a brilliant idea. We’re so used to him playing the hot, dumb character on-screen that it gives you a jolt seeing him as someone so different. He doesn’t play him like a villain though – he treats what he’s doing as if it’s completely normal, which makes him all the more creepy and chilling.
Ackie is a captivating lead who you root for throughout. She has a brilliant on-screen friendship with the delightful Shawkat and forms a formidable team with Adria Arjona as fellow partygoer Sarah. They are supported by a star-studded ensemble featuring Christian Slater, Kyle MacLachlan, Haley Joel Osment, Geena Davis and Simon Rex. What a line-up!
Blink Twice, originally titled Pussy Island, is bold, brutal and a very good time.
In cinemas from Friday 23rd August