‘BLINK TWICE’: Zoë Kravitz’s Bold Directorial Debut
‘Blink Twice,’ the directorial debut of Zoë Kravitz, is a psychological thriller that explores gender politics through violent and intense storytelling. With strong performances from Channing Tatum as the enigmatic billionaire Slater King and Naomi Ackie as the resilient Frida, the film shifts from biting dark humour to moments of intense disgust, emotional trauma, and resilience.
Channing Tatum in 'Blink Twice'
The story follows Frida (Naomi Ackie), a nail artist and cocktail waitress, who attends an exclusive event hosted by Slater (Channing Tatum) on his private island. Initially enchanted by the luxurious surroundings and the promise of an unforgettable experience, Frida soon realizes that this paradise might actually be a living hell. As she navigates a web of intrigue and manipulation, the line between luxury and danger quickly blurs, leading to horrific revelations about Slater and his guests.
Kravitz’s direction shines as she crafts a visually arresting narrative filled with striking imagery, using bright colours to heighten the tension, and a haunting score to heighten the sense of dread. The lush landscapes of the island stand in stark contrast to the horrors we’re witnessing, providing a compelling canvas for the film's exploration of exploitation and trauma. Additionally, the dichotomy she creates, with the guests constantly taking pictures while simultaneously manipulating the women’s memories, is deeply unsettling.
Naomi Ackie in 'Blink Twice'
Tatum, as Slater, effortlessly embodies both charm and menace, while Ackie, as Frida, is a force to be reckoned with. Her transformation from unwitting guest to determined survivor is powerful, and the chemistry between them adds an extra layer of tension to their interactions.
Reminiscent of Jordan Peele’s ‘Get Out’ for its sharp social commentary and Alex Garland’s ‘Men’ for its eerie atmosphere, the film tackles weighty issues such as consent and memory manipulation. Kravitz raises profound questions about complicity and the societal structures that enable such abuses to persist. The hallucinogenic flower used to erase memories becomes a powerful metaphor for how society often chooses to ignore or forget the experiences of survivors.
Although the film is intense and at times difficult to watch, it generally handles its themes well, sparking important conversations. However, certain scenes could have benefited from more subtlety, particularly those accompanied by an overly cheerful score, which at times undermines the nuance present in the rest of the film. Additionally, the handling of more serious topics, such as sexual violence, has faced criticism for at times falling into exploitation.
It is nevertheless a striking debut from Zoë Kravitz, who shows promise as a filmmaker with an ability to build suspense effectively. It’s fair to say that the film's final act, filled with savage intensity, compensates for any narrative flaws.