Blink Twice

 

Zoë Kravitz's directorial debut, Blink Twice, is psychological thriller that stars Naomi Ackie as Frida, a struggling cocktail waitress who finds herself swept into the glamorous world of tech billionaire Slater King, played by Channing Tatum. The story unfolds as Frida and her friend Jess, played by Alia Shawkat, are invited to King's private island for what appears to be a dream vacation. However, as the serene getaway progresses, strange occurrences begin to unsettle Frida, forcing her to question the reality of her surroundings.

Blink Twice delves deep into issues of power dynamics, gender politics, and societal expectations placed on women. Kravitz's script, co-written with E.T. Feigenbaum, explores these themes through a thriller lens, drawing comparisons to Jordan Peele's Get Out mixed with vibes reminiscent of The Stepford Wives or Don't Worry Darling. The film didn’t shy away from addressing the absurdity of demands placed on women in society, including highlighting the pressure to smile through pain and the use of non-verbal communication when feeling unsafe.

While the plot was not entirely unique, Kravitz's direction infused the film with a fresh perspective and palpable tension. The movie's climactic scenes were particularly noteworthy for their brutal honesty and refusal to pull punches. She demonstrated remarkable skill behind the camera, creating a visually stunning world that slowly revealed a darker nature.

The casting was diverse and played well off of one another. Naomi Ackie delivered an outstanding performance as Frida, skillfully portraying a wide range of emotions as her character navigated the increasingly bizarre and threatening situation. Channing Tatum gave his best performance to date. He brought a charm and lethal coolness to the role of Slater King. The supporting cast shined as well; Adria Arjona as Sarah, a reality television celebrity who won "Survivor," and Alia Shawkat as Jess both deliver superb performances that showcase their impressive range and depth.

In the end, Blink Twice stood out as a testament to Kravitz's talent as a filmmaker, successfully blending elements of thriller, social commentary, and horror to create a compelling and thought-provoking experience. It's a film that not only entertained but also did a good job show showing viewers the uncomfortable truths about power, control, and the expectations placed on women in society.