Zoë Kravitz’s directorial debut, Blink Twice, features Channing Tatum as Slater King, a tech mogul, and Naomi Ackie as Frida, a cocktail waitress. Co-written by Kravitz and E. T. Feigenbaum, the film centers on King’s invitation to Frida to join him and his friends on his private island. Enthralled by King, Frida eagerly accepts the invitation. Upon arrival, she and her friend Jess, played by Alia Shawkat, are promptly instructed to surrender their phones for the duration of their stay. At this juncture, the audience senses the film will delve into increasingly strange territory.
The film boasts an impressive ensemble cast, including Adria Arjona, Haley Joel Osment, and Christian Slater, among others. Chanda Dancy’s film score enhances the eerie ambiance, complemented by Adam Newport-Berra’s skilful cinematography. Throughout the film, King and his circle indulge in a plethora of psychotropic substances, adding to the island’s intoxicating atmosphere. Kravitz’s world is populated by a few characters, most of whom are introduced only briefly. This approach is intentional, as the plot’s suspense relies on keeping the audience in the dark for as long as possible.
At 1 hour and 42 minutes, Blink Twice often feels sluggish, particularly for a psychological thriller. Some will argue that it is a “slow burn” film, but the pacing of the first and second acts extends too long, making the film’s finale feel disjointed and potentially alienating. The film’s execution might have benefited from a more seamless flow, which would prevent it from feeling fragmented.
There are many moments in the film’s second half where one wonders whether Blink Twice would have been more effective as a short film. While the premise holds potential for a feature-length story, the execution feels underdeveloped, lacking the maturity needed to elevate it beyond a typical psychological thriller. Nonetheless, Kravitz’s debut demonstrates enough style and flair to spark interest in her future projects.
Tatum’s portrayal of King lacks the menacing depth that the role demands. Given the film’s heavy reliance on his character, Tatum would have delivered a more compelling performance with a more substantial role. Ackie, too, makes a valiant effort with her role as Frida, but the character’s lack of nuance diminishes the film’s impact. The supporting cast, though talented, has limited screen time, and their roles often feel repetitive. Additionally, the film’s dialogue is not particularly engaging, a shortcoming that stands out even more due to the film’s other flaws.
In summary, Blink Twice is a standard entry into the psychological thriller genre, likely to fade from memory quickly after leaving the theatre. While it marks a promising start to Kravitz’s directorial career, the film lacks the finesse seen in other, more effective psychological thrillers. As a result, Blink Twice earns a 2.5 out of 5 stars from Film Comments. Viewers who are open to any film within this subgenre will find it worth a watch, but for those with discerning tastes, it is likely better suited for home viewing rather than a trip to the theatre.
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