When tech billionaire Slater King meets cocktail waitress Frida at his fundraising gala, he invites her to join him and his friends on a dream vacation on his private island. But despite the epic setting, beautiful people, ever-flowing champagne, and late-night dance parties, Frida can sense that there’s something sinister hiding beneath the island’s lush façade.
FULL SPOILER-FREE REVIEW @ https://fandomwire.com/blink-twice-review-zoe-kravitzs-directorial-debut-delivers-a-thought-provoking-exploration-of-power-and-trauma/
"Blink Twice marks a promising debut for Zoë Kravitz as a filmmaker, demonstrating that her personal creativity and vision aren't confined to the side of the camera she works on.
Despite some shortcomings in tone management, the compelling narrative, supported by memorable performances from Ackie, Tatum, and Arjona, and an immersive, unsettling atmosphere, make this psychological thriller an engaging, cathartic experience. Kravitz tackles relevant, complex contemporary themes, offering a thought-provoking reflection on power, trauma, forgiveness, and forgetting.
Above all, this debut will leave many viewers eager to see what Kravitz brings to the world of cinema in the near future."
Rating: B+
Yikes but this is riddled with flaws. "Frida" (Naomi Ackie) and her pal "Jess" (Alia Shawkat) are working for the caterers at a grand party hosted by gazillionaire "Slater" (Channing Tatum). Mid way through the evening, they don their glad rags and join in the party. A little accident gets "Frida" introduced to their host and after a few glasses of Champagne, the two are thick as thieves. His chief of staff, "Vic" (Christian Slater) needs to go somewhere warm so he can have a drink with an umbrella in it, so they readily accept an invitation from their new-found friend to visit his paradise island where together with a group of his other friends, they will enjoy some sunshine, fine dining and drugs-galore. What's a bit unnerving on this otherwise Elysian estate, is the old woman (María Elena Olivares) who seems to spend her time gathering up some beautiful yellow snakes that roam the place freely but whose venom can be dangerous. It's only when "Jess" gets bitten that her friend begins to wonder just what is going on here. It's all just too idyllic, and when the old lady gives her a shot of something to drink that isn't from an hand-blown bottle - well, reality starts to kick in and things take on a much more sinister reality not just for her, but for all of the women going about their days in blissful, powder-induced, ignorance. It's got something of the Agatha Christie meets "Glass Onion" to it, this - and for maybe the first half hour is quite intriguing, but once the story gets into gear it just becomes too implausible. Sure, it plays to vanity and the readiness of folks to believe what clearly is too good to be true, but as the story builds to a denouement there is one whopping great Achilles' heel in the premiss that even the occasional presence of his perma-ditzy assistant "Stacy" (Geena Davis) can't rescue. It's a good looking drama, but the acting is as unremarkable as the dialogue and though I did quite like the irony of the final conclusion, the plot is just way too thin as we work our way there. This is typical summertime cinema fayre that tries to mix comedy with thriller but in the end just looks like a good excuse for Tatum, Slater et al to have some fun in the sun.
Great movie!
'Blink Twice' manages to create high intrigue, an unsettling tone and is very stylishly put together, eventually showcasing some thoroughly enjoyable and visually pleasing violence towards the end. Naomi Ackie and Channing Tatum are both terrific, Ackie is particularly top notch. Nice to see Geena Davis involved too, not seen her since the days of 'Stuart Little'! The rest of the cast are all good value, especially Adria Arjona.
I'd admit that it isn't the most unique picture, there are remnants of other productions scattered in there - 'Don't Worry Darling' for one, bit of 'Glass Onion' as well as basically any Jordan Peele flick. Still, I had a real fun time watching it all unfold on the big screen so I truly can't leave any complaints. Interested to see what Zoë Kravitz does next in the hot seat.
Zoë Kravitz's BLINK TWICE is a startling thriller, but that’s just the sheep’s clothing around this dark moral exposé. The real wolf is the urgent assault story lying underneath. It’s a stinging and significant shock that rubs salt into an open wound (and slaps awake the ‘not ALL men!’ crowd).
So how does Blink Twice explore sexual assault? What does it have to say about money and power? And is THAT rumour about its original title ACTUALLY true? Read our full take on BLINK TWICE at good.film: **https://good.film/guide/welcome-to-pitch-black-paradise-heres-why-you-wont-forget-blink-twice**
In a surprising turn of events, Channing Tatum takes on a new role in the horror genre in the upcoming thriller "Blink Twice". Directed by his girlfriend Zoe Kravitz, this film will have audiences on the edge of their seats, trying to decipher the mystery unfolding on a secluded island where women and a young man have been taken.
The luxurious setting, mouth-watering food, and extravagant hospitality all seem too good to be true, leading to a suspenseful tale that keeps viewers guessing until the very end. Without giving away any spoilers, it's safe to say that the plot is intricately woven, the direction is top-notch, and the climax is sure to leave you speechless with a jaw-dropping twist.
As the story delves into dark and unsettling territory, drawing parallels to real-life events like those surrounding Jeffrey Epstein's island, it becomes clear that "Blink Twice" is not just your average thriller. It sheds light on the horrors that can lurk beneath the surface of seemingly idyllic settings, making it a chilling reminder of the dangers that can exist in the shadows.
While the subject matter may be disturbing, the film itself is a well-crafted piece of cinema, skillfully executed and guaranteed to leave a lasting impact on its audience. So buckle up for a wild ride with Channing Tatum in a role you never saw coming, and prepare to have your perception of him as an actor forever changed.
Blink Twice is Zoe Kravitz’s dazzling directorial debut, a gripping, twisted thriller that confronts post #MeToo gender politics head-on. The film expertly combines razor-sharp genre storytelling with biting social commentary, all against a brutal, tension-filled backdrop. It’s as wildly entertaining as it is thought-provoking, making it a must-watch and one of the year’s standout films.
**"Blink Twice" and You’ll Miss a Stunning Directorial Debut from Zoë Kravitz**
Zoë Kravitz has officially entered the world of directors with Blink Twice, and her debut is nothing short of brilliant. She reimagines the Final Girl trope in a fresh, bold way, giving us an excellent blend of suspense and smooth storytelling. Kravitz's mastery of narrative pacing and visual tension makes it clear she’s not just dabbling in directing—she’s making waves. This debut film is the perfect example of a director with vision, confidence, and originality.
And then there’s Channing Tatum. WOW! His performance is absolutely jaw dropping, showcasing a range we haven’t often seen from him. Tatum seamlessly moves between charm, vulnerability, and intensity, pulling the audience into every scene. It’s one of his most transformative roles yet, proving he’s more than capable of delivering deeply emotional, dynamic performances.
**The Big Idea: Forgetting vs. Happiness **
Zoë also takes us deeper with her thought-provoking theme of "Forgetting to Move On." Rather than promoting the idea that forgetting brings happiness, she questions whether holding onto memories, even painful ones, can make us stronger. It echoes the often misattributed quote: “Happiness is good health and a short memory.” Kravitz challenges that idea, making us think twice about how we process the past.
**KUDOS to Naomi Ackie **
Naomi Ackie delivers a grounded, powerful performance that perfectly complements the film’s intensity. She adds emotional depth to every scene she’s in, capturing the complexities of her character without overplaying it. Ackie’s natural talent shines, and her performance is definitely one to watch.
Don’t miss out on this unforgettable cinematic experience—Blink Twice will leave you reflecting long after the credits roll.