Zoë Kravitz’s directorial debut, Blink Twice, boasts an ensemble cast led by Naomi Ackie (I Wanna Dance with Somebody), Channing Tatum (Magic Mike, Fly Me to the Moon fame), Alia Shawkat (Search Party), Adria Arjona (Hit Man, Morbius), Christian Slater (Mr. Robot), and Haley Joel Osment (The Sixth Sense, A.I. Artificial Intelligence).
The film follows Frida (Ackie), a cocktail waitress who gets swept into the glamorous yet eerie world of tech billionaire Slater King (Tatum). Invited to his private island under the guise of a luxurious getaway, Frida soon realises that nothing is as it seems. As the idyllic setting turns sinister, Frida must unravel the truth behind the mysterious events and the true intentions of her seemingly charming host.
Much like Get Out, Blink Twice uses the horror genre to explore deeper societal issues. While Jordan Peele’s film dealt with race relations in a post-Obama America, Kravitz’s film delves into themes that resonate in the #MeToo era, such as the exploitation of women and the dark undercurrents of power dynamics. The film is unapologetically feminist, using its narrative to critique how women are often pitted against each other in a world dominated by powerful men, while also challenging the viewer’s perceptions of safety and trust in seemingly benign situations.
Kravitz’s direction is nothing short of brilliant. She skillfully manipulates the audience’s expectations, utilising a combination of sharp editing and unsettling cinematography to create an atmosphere of growing dread. Her collaboration with cinematographer Adam Newport-Berra and editor Kathryn J. Schubert results in a visually striking film that balances its dark thematic elements with moments of biting humour. Kravitz’s ability to weave social commentary into a gripping thriller establishes her as a formidable directorial talent.
The performances are equally commendable. Naomi Ackie delivers a standout performance as Frida, capturing the character’s vulnerability and strength with a depth that anchors the film. Channing Tatum surprises with a chilling portrayal of Slater, a character whose charm hides a more sinister side. Alia Shawkat and Adria Arjona also shine, bringing nuance to their roles and adding layers to the film’s complex social dynamics. The supporting cast, including veterans like Geena Davis and Christian Slater, round out a stellar ensemble that elevates the film’s tension and drama.
Blink Twice is a significant and timely film that uses the thriller genre to explore issues of power, exploitation and the complexities of female solidarity. This is an impressive debut from a director who has a bright future ahead of her. Genuinely thrilling from start to finish.
