‘Blink Twice’ Review: Zoë Kravitz Crafts a Stylish and Sinister Thriller

Zoë Kravitz makes a striking directorial debut with Blink Twice, a taut and gripping thriller that transforms gender politics into a brutal battlefield. The film is both intensely engaging and unflinchingly raw, pulling no punches as it delves into a world where power dynamics are violently upended. With sharp wit and a fearless vision, Zoë Kravitz crafts an unsettling narrative that explores the dark undercurrents of coercion and violence.

Blink Twice boasts an excellent cast, with two performances that truly stand out. Channing Tatum delivers a sinister portrayal of Slater King, effortlessly infusing his character with an initial charm that deepens the mystery surrounding him. Beneath this likable exterior and charm Tatum unravels King’s unsettling dark secrets, expertly. Alongside Tatum, Naomi Ackie delivers a striking performance as the disenchanted and awkward Frida. Building on her acclaimed performance as Whitney Houston in I Wanna Dance With Somebody, Ackie demonstrates her remarkable versatility in this thriller.

Blink Twice centers on Frida (Ackie) and her best friend Jess (Alia Shawkat), who find themselves entangled with the enigmatic tech mogul Slater King (Tatum) after crashing an extravagant gala. Despite the scandal that has recently rocked Slater—leading him to step down from his company and issue numerous heartfelt apologies for his alleged abuse of power—the allure of his charm proves irresistible to the girls. When Slater extends an invitation to his private island, they eagerly accept, captivated by the promise of opulence.

Upon arriving at the island, Frida and Jess are initially thrilled by the lavish lifestyle that includes fine wines, gourmet cuisine, and designer drugs, courtesy of King and his entourage. However, as their days blend into a continuous haze of indulgence, they begin to experience unsettling bouts of memory loss. The decision to join Slater’s elite circle, driven by their financial desperation and flattery, quickly reveals its darker side. The luxury and excess they once relished start to lose their allure, especially as Jess begins to question the situation. “Don’t you think it’s weird?” she asks. “I don’t think it’s weird,” Frida replies. “I think it’s… rich.”

The situation takes a sinister turn when Jess goes missing, leaving Frida to confront the potential danger she has unwittingly invited into her life. The initial thrill of their spontaneous decision fades, replaced by a growing sense of peril as Frida grapples with the consequences of their indulgence.

Zoë Kravitz’s directorial debut is a powerful and sharp thriller that solidifies her place as a formidable director.

The supporting cast brings significant depth to Blink Twice, with great performances from Christian Slater as Vic, Simon Rex as Cody, and Haley Joel Osment as Tom—key members of Slater’s tech-bro entourage who accompany him to the island. Adria Arjona offers a particularly engaging performance, her role bursts into life in the film’s final act, where she provides much of the darkly comedic relief.

Zoë Kravitz’s direction in Blink Twice channels a strong influence from films like Get Out, employing a blend of flashbacks, rapid cuts, and intense sound and visual effects to immerse viewers in the island’s nightmarish reality. The film is unflinching in its graphic content, culminating in a particularly brutal final act. Kravitz’s debut as a director is a testament to her skill, demonstrating that she is a formidable storyteller rather than merely an actor exploring directing. Her approach results in a gripping, incisive thriller that firmly establishes her.

The film’s core concept explores the power dynamics between men and women and examines the support networks women form as a response to these power imbalances. Channing Tatum delivers a remarkable performance, presenting a side of himself that audiences haven’t seen before, Blink Twice reflects a fascination with his character’s presence that mirrors Frida’s own awe. Kravitz’s direction culminates in a satisfying and gruesome conclusion, making her directorial debut a significant achievement.

Blink Twice is now playing in cinemas worldwide.

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