Zoë Kravitz’s Blink Twice is a visual feast that struggles to maintain its narrative logic. The film opens with Slater King, a tech mogul played by Channing Tatum, issuing a public apology on live television. “I’m sorry,” he says, for reasons left unexplained, echoing the familiar trope of a fallen public figure seeking redemption. This scene sets the tone for a film that explores themes of guilt, accountability, and the consequences of unchecked power.
Kravitz, who directs and co-writes this ambitious project, aims to deliver a gender-themed thriller with echoes of Get Out and Promising Young Woman. With Tatum’s smarmy charm as Slater, the film initially captivates, especially as it delves into the luxurious yet sinister world of Slater’s remote island retreat. Here, Frida, portrayed by Naomi Ackie, and her roommate Jess (Alia Shawkat) find themselves entangled in a high-stakes game of deception.
The film’s first half is a masterclass in building tension and atmosphere. Kravitz showcases her directorial prowess with stylish visuals, confident pacing, and a strong ensemble cast. Adria Arjona delivers a standout performance as Sarah, a sharp and calculating guest with her eyes on Slater. The supporting cast, including Simon Rex, Christian Slater, and Geena Davis, contribute to the film’s eerie and unpredictable tone.
However, as the plot progresses, the film’s logic begins to unravel. The story descends into a chaotic mix of horror and psychological thriller elements that while entertaining, lack coherence. The sudden shifts in tone and the introduction of graphic violence leave the audience questioning the narrative’s direction. Unlike Jordan Peele’s Get Out or Emerald Fennell’s Promising Young Woman, Blink Twice struggles to tie its themes together into a cohesive whole.
Despite its narrative shortcomings, Blink Twice remains a captivating experience, largely due to Kravitz’s bold artistic vision and the film’s striking visuals. The resort setting, with its sparkling waters and chic white wardrobes, contrasts sharply with the underlying sense of dread that permeates the story. This tension between appearance and reality is central to the film’s commentary on societal expectations, particularly regarding women’s roles and the pressures they face to conform.
As Frida becomes increasingly disoriented by the island’s bizarre happenings—phones confiscated, dirt under her fingernails, and mysterious stains on her dress—the film intensifies its exploration of manipulation and control. Slater’s repeated question, “Are you having a good time?” becomes a haunting refrain that underscores the characters’ growing unease.
In the end, Blink Twice leaves viewers with more questions than answers. Kravitz’s commentary on the Instagram-era obsession with appearances and the pressure to “forget” unpleasant realities is thought-provoking, but the film’s conclusion feels rushed and unsatisfying. The potential for a powerful statement is there, but the execution falters, leaving audiences eager for Kravitz’s next project, hoping she will “stick the landing” next time.
Blink Twice, an Amazon/MGM release, is rated R by the Motion Picture Association for strong violent content, sexual assault, drug use, and language throughout, with some sexual references. The film runs for 103 minutes and earns two and a half stars out of four.
Paraluman P. Funtanilla
Paraluman P. Funtanilla is Tutubi News Magazine's Marketing Specialist and is a Contributing Editor. She finished her degree in Communication Arts in De La Salle Lipa. She has worked as a Digital Marketer for start-up businesses and small business spaces for the past two years. She has earned certificates from Coursera on Brand Management: Aligning Business Brand and Behavior and Viral Marketing and How to Craft Contagious Content. She also worked with Asia Express Romania TV Show.
