Blink Twice Review: Zoe Kravitz’s film is a stylishly ambitious and brashly entertaining

Director: Zoe Kravitz
Cast: Naomi Ackie, Channing Tatum, Christian Slater, Simon Rex, Adria Arjona, Alia Shawkat, Kyle MacLachlan, Geena Davis, Haley Joel Osment

Zoë Kravitz, known for her roles in The Batman and Divergent, makes a striking directorial debut with this film, a black comedy-thriller that’s as stylish as it is unsettling. The film follows Frida (Naomi Ackie) and her best friend Jess (Alia Shawkat), who find themselves on a private island owned by tech billionaire Slater King (Channing Tatum). Initially, it’s a dream vacation, with endless champagne, gourmet food, and perfectly fitted designer clothes. But as the days blur into one indulgent haze, the women start experiencing memory lapses that hint at something sinister beneath the luxury.

Kravitz demonstrates a strong visual sense, opening with a blurred close-up of a frog that sharpens into eerie focus—a fitting metaphor for the film’s tone. The cinematography is intimate, pulling viewers into the story through vibrant close-ups heightening the unsettling atmosphere. This isn’t just a tale of privilege gone wrong; it’s a mind-bending exploration of memory and power, laced with dark humor.

The film’s strongest aspect is its ability to balance the allure of luxury with a growing sense of dread. The island itself is a character, its beauty masking the horror that lies beneath it. Kravitz skillfully contrasts the luxurious setting with unnerving details, like the ever-present servants who seem too eager to eliminate the island’s venomous snakes.

However, the film falters in its middle act, where the narrative becomes bogged down in repetitive montages and psychedelic visuals. While visually arresting, these scenes do little to advance the plot, causing the tension to wane. When the memory-loss storyline finally kicks in, the film rushes through twists and turns, sometimes overwhelming the narrative with too many ideas.

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Despite these flaws, the performances are stellar. Naomi Ackie shines as the socially ambitious Frida, whose wide-eyed curiosity gradually gives way to suspicion. Tatum’s Slater King is charming and menacing, embodying the dangerous allure of unchecked power. The supporting cast, including Christian Slater and Haley Joel Osment, provides darkly comedic relief, their characters’ arrogance serving as a satirical jab at the excesses of the ultra-wealthy.

This film may not be the most original film—its echoes of ‘Glass Onion’ and ‘Get Out’ are unmistakable—but it’s a compelling debut from Kravitz. The film’s stylish direction and biting commentary make it a memorable entry into the genre, even if its narrative sometimes feels cluttered.

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Overall, Blink Twice is a film that’s hard to forget, much like the memory lapses that haunt its characters. Kravitz’s direction is bold, and her voice as a filmmaker is clear, even if the film’s ideas sometimes overwhelm its execution. If she chooses to continue in this vein, her next project might just be even better—assuming we remember to watch it.

(This article is published under a mutual content partnership arrangement between The Brew News and The Free Press Journal)