Reviews

After more than 15 years as an actor, Zoe Kravitz has pivoted to writing and directing, bringing us her directorial debut Blink Twice.

The psychological thriller stars Naomi Ackie as Frida, a broke waitress who meets tech billionaire Slater King (Channing Tatum) while working at his fundraising gala. When he invites her to his private island for basically one long party, she immediately agrees and brings along her best friend Jess (Alia Shawkat).

After Jess grows suspicious of Slater’s activities, she goes missing, and Frida has to get to the bottom of what happened to her.

Blink Twice is a gripping and unpredictable thriller that feels in a similar vein to movies like Don’t Worry Darling, Midsommar and The Menu, which are all films were something is not what it seems on the surface.

It establishes Kravitz as a ballsy, confident and audacious director who is in full command of her vision. She and her co-writer E.T. Feigenbaum clearly had a lot to say about abuse of power and how famous, wealthy men sometimes wield it over women.

Although it addresses sobering topics and features triggering content, Blink Twice doesn’t take itself too seriously. It is surprisingly funny! Kravitz uses lightness and humour (very black humour) to offset the darkness and not dwell on any moment for too long.

The film spends a bit too much time establishing the group – which also features Christian Slater, Adria Arjona, Simon Rex and Haley Joel Osment – and watching them party before getting to the reveal. While it could have happened sooner, it is not boring observing them having a good time on the island.

Once you’ve learned the reveal, the film really levels up and becomes bold, thrilling and shocking. The third act is intense, dark and filled with violence, so bear that mind if you’re squeamish with blood.

Tatum is often cast as the air-headed hunk so making him the villain here is very effective. The 21 Jump Street star doesn’t play Slater like a baddie though – the tech billionaire acts like his behaviour is totally normal, which makes him even creepier.

Kravitz has assembled her line-up of ladies perfectly. Ackie is a captivating lead and she has a fun, believable friendship with Shawkat, while Arjona rounds out the core trio as the confident Sarah.

Blink Twice is bold, brilliant and brutal. If this is what Kravitz delivers with her debut feature, it’ll be interesting to see what she does next.

In cinemas from Friday 23rd August.

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