Blink Twice

Zoe Kravitz’s directorial debut is a decadent, fun and comedic thriller before it twists into its harrowing true meaning. Not many debuts are as masterfully artful as Kravitz’s, and there’s a lot of praise to be shared between all aspects of the film. It boasts a star studded cast that delivers wide and wild performances, a stunning sound design that adds to the tension, luscious cinematography by Adam Newport-Berra, and an incredible set design. However, this film begins with a trigger warning, and for good reason. While it begins as a witty thriller with looming themes, once the movie pivots into its third act it becoming incredibly disturbing and violent. Those that are triggered by any type of domestic, physical or sexual assault should be incredibly wary of this film, because after it pulls the covers from the viewer it does not hold back. However, there is a lot of meaningful intention behind it, and if one is curious enough to observe it, they will be witness to something incredibly artful, despite, and maybe partially because of its horrific visuals.

Without spoiling, Blink Twice is about Naomi Ackie’s Frida, and Alia Shawkat’s Jess, meeting and befriending big industry man Slater King, portrayed by Channing Tatum. The girls, along with some of Slater’s friends and cohorts all go out to a private island owned by Slater. While their immediate reaction is joy and jubilation over the exquisite dresses and dwellings they are in, along with the indulgent dinners and drugs they do at the end of the night, the longer the group stays at the island the women begin to feel a sense of dread overwhelming them despite their luxurious setting.

Tatum is exceptional and gets a very powerful and fun monologue at the end of the film that shows the range he has as an actor. Ackie is a fantastic leading woman, with a great supporting cast between Shawkat, who plays the fun and whimsical bestie who has a scene of sheer terror as she is the first to start feeling the looming dangers the island may or may not bring. Adria Arjona is also notable, as a ‘not so girls girl’ woman in the group. Shots between her and the other women constantly pit her against them, but by the end of the film, she finds strength in bonding and rallying with her fellow women on the trip. Arjona and Ackie have some of the most harrowing emotional peaks, and the quiet poise the women portray as they internally process some of the most disturbing things that could happen to a woman are extraordinary. Other notable cast members include Christian Slater, Haley Joel Osment, Geena Davis, and even Kyle Maclachlan.

Kravitz as a director is exceptional. Within the first forty five minutes of the film there’s a long tracking shot between all of the various characters as they dance in the middle of the night. It’s simply gorgeous to watch and shows her very clear vision of the film. The wide shot of the main building where Slater’s study is becomes a constant visual motif, signaling to the audience a sense of dread and tension. The set design as a whole is simply gorgeous. Kravitz was also involved in the writing the screenplay, along with E.T. Feigenbaum, which is wickedly witty and entertaining long before it takes its horrific twist in its final act. And when it does, the entire tone of the movie changes, holding with it the dramatic weight of the themes it is trying comment on.

However, and this minorly spoils the film, tackling a topic as weighty as the sexual assault of women, and portraying it very viscerally and horrifically on film, almost seems antithetical to what the impact of the film is supposed to be. It tackles very interesting topics such as cancel culture, the ability to forgive and forget huge media figures for their misdoings, how one moves on from trauma and the impact of repressed memories. But it all surrounds the central theme of assault on women, and the way the film chooses to visually comment on this topic, seems almost indulgent of the already overly saturated media of violence against women. While there is so much on display in this movie, and it was very clearly made respectfully and tactfully with a lot artistry and talent that is being showcased, it will not be a film for everybody. The trigger warning should be taken very seriously, and the rewatchability of this film will probably greatly vary from person to person that probably does not get begged for a second watch by most audiences.