Blink Twice is a psychological thriller that marks the directorial and producing debut of Zoë Kravitz, a highly regarded actress I greatly enjoy. As the daughter of iconic figures Lisa Bonet and Lenny Kravitz, she has carved out a successful path in the entertainment industry. I have always admired her acting skills, particularly her portrayal of Catwoman in The Batman (2022).
Originally released in August 2024 coinciding with the highly anticipated debut of Deadpool & Wolverine, Blink Twice was somewhat overshadowed during its opening weekend, ultimately securing the fourth spot at the box office. Despite this, the film has unique qualities that deserve recognition which could resonate with viewers who enjoy thrillers or horror films.
This is one of those movies you should go in as blind as possible. This effect on me as a viewer elevates the experience and makes whatever twist as effective as possible — Strange Darling is an excellent example of that. However, the only downfall to such films is that rewatchability suffers once the surprise is revealed. But that doesn’t deter me from making these some of my favorite movies. Incredibly, I avoided spoilers for so long, given social media can ruin that for many people.
Blink Twice begins with a trigger warning of “mature themes and depictions of violence – including sexual violence.” This is the first time I’ve encountered such a warning, and I appreciate it, especially given the subject matter. It did make me consider how far the movie goes in its portrayal of sexual violence. Regardless of its level of extremity, it’s helpful to have a heads-up. Trigger warnings have become more common lately; there’s even an app called Does the Dog Die, where you can search for a film and its trigger warnings.
Will we see more of this in cinemas in the future? Possibly. If I questioned the trigger warning, would I leave a movie I already paid for? No, but as I mentioned, a heads-up is nice.
Co-written by Kravitz and E.T. Feigenbaum, the movie follows Frida (played by Naomi Ackie), who is an upscale catering waitress with dreams of becoming a successful nail technician. By a twist of fate, she and her friend, Jess (portrayed by Alia Shawkat), are invited to a private island owned by tech billionaire Slater King (played by Channing Tatum). They board his private jet, along with King’s other friends, and head to this tropical paradise.
The drinks, drugs and delicious foods are abundant, along with luxurious accommodations, all expenses paid. Frida and Jess didn’t need to pack a bag, but they had to surrender their cell phones in order to fully enjoy the experience. Yeah, right! What’s the catch?
Frida isn’t too worried because King seems flirty and charming with her. However, Jess is the first in the group to question this extravagant vacation. Frida shrugs off Jess’ concerns, but things look ominous behind the scenes. The staff working on the island have a strange demeanor and venomous yellow snakes are abundant. A maid is tasked with catching them. Meanwhile, Frida is waking up with dirt under her fingernails. Everything feels slightly off, but it’s not enough to raise her suspicions… yet.
Naomi Ackie is known for her roles in Star Wars: The Rise of Skywalker (2019) and I Wanna Dance with Somebody (2022), in which she portrayed the legendary singer, Whitney Houston, in the biopic. She is set to star in Bong Joon-ho’s anticipated science-fiction film, Mickey 17, starring Robert Pattinson. Her performance is captivating and brings to life a character many people can relate to. How often have you yearned to be “seen” so profoundly that you would go to great lengths or take risks to achieve it? Ackie delivers a powerful performance that effectively portrays this desire before the story takes a dramatic turn.
What can I say about Channing Tatum? He is a remarkable actor who consistently showcases his talent across various roles. In this particular performance, he takes on the character of a billionaire charmer, exuding charisma while hinting at a darker, more sinister side. His suave demeanor and polished appearance make it challenging to decipher his true intentions. Tatum masterfully balances charm and mystery, leaving the audience wondering what lies beneath his alluring exterior. His ability to convey confidence and a sense of danger is a testament to his acting skill.
Although Tatum may seem somewhat shady, I didn’t get that impression from his male companions on this trip portrayed by Christian Slater, Simon Rex, Haley Joel Osment and Levon Hawke. They seem less sinister and more arrogant than anything else, and all appear eager to party and have a good time.
Is this a cult, or are they just as unaware as everyone else?
There are many questions to be answered in this film; don’t worry, they unfold over time. In the meantime, color plays a significant role, foreshadowing the underlying events. The filming took place in the lush green terrain and vibrant flora of Mexico’s Yucatán Peninsula. Although you may not notice the hints during your first viewing, everything comes together by the end. I found the editing intriguing, particularly the close-ups and pull-away shots.
For instance, the movie begins with a close-up of a beautiful green lizard. While this image may not seem significant initially, the way the story revisits it later is incredibly clever. I am so excited about Kravitz’s filmmaking career and how she differentiates herself from the crowd.
There are several themes to explore in this film regarding sexual exploitation, the abuse of power and greed. While it tackles heavy topics, the movie balances them with some light humor that, rather than undermining the serious issues, helps to lighten the mood. The shifts can sometimes be jarring, transitioning from dark, sinister moments to upbeat music by James Brown playing in the background. However, I found this contrast enjoyable because the payoff is worth it.
I would categorize this film as one of those “good for her” movies without revealing too much. It isn’t a horror film, but horror fans will like this one because it has a surprising amount of gore.
Blink Twice is a solid four and a half out of five stars. This film delivers a captivating twist, executed with remarkable precision and creativity. The storyline unfolds in a way that keeps you on the edge of your seat, making it a thrilling experience from start to finish. While I generally do not focus on identifying plot holes, I found myself contemplating the underlying lore regarding the origins of certain practices depicted in the film (I’m intentionally being vague to avoid spoilers). This element left me with lingering questions, so I deducted half a star.
Despite that, I would add this film to my Top 15 movies of 2024. Overall, it’s a masterfully woven narrative that is worth a watch.