When tech billionaire Slater King invites Frida, a cocktail waitress to his private island, it feels like a dream come true. But soon, wild nights turn into disturbing days, and Frida realizes there's more lurking beneath the luxurious surface.
Trapped in a dangerous game where everyone around her has a hidden agenda, Frida must
uncover the truth to make it out alive.
Blink twice draws us into a twisted world of power, deception and survival. If that sounds like you're kind of thriller, then buckle up as we dive into Zoe's directorial debut, Blink twice.
This is Cravitz's first feature film, and she takes us on a ride that explores power dynamics, resilience and the shadows of unchecked privilege. If movies like Promising Young Woman or Gone Girl are your thing, you're going to want
to stick around for this review. Blink twice begins with Frida, played by Naomi Aki, meeting the enigmatic and wealthy Slater King, portrayed by Channing Tatum at one of his lavish fundraising galas. It's an invitation that promises an escape, a taste of the highlight.
But what starts as a dream quickly turns into a nightmare as Frida realizes this vacation
is no paradise.
Cravitz builds suspense by blending paradise with paranoia, giving the setting a duality
that's as beautiful as it is menacing. One of the most impressive things about Blink twice is its exploration of the psychological and emotional journey Frida goes through. She begins as a hopeful outsider, but soon finds herself trapped in a complex web of manipulation and deceit.
Naomi Aki does an incredible job embodying Frida's transformation.
Her character goes from innocence and vulnerability to sheer survival mode, with every glance and gesture capturing the fear, distrust, and resilience bubbling up inside her. Then, there's Slater King portrayed by Channing Tatum. Slater is charismatic, influential, and absolutely terrifying in his subtle manipulative ways. Tatum brings depth to this role, making Slater a figure who's both charming and sinister.
There's a standout moment where he delivers a chilling monologue, one that sends a clear
message about his underlying power and privilege.
Tatum really brings his A-game here, pushing the boundaries of what we might expect from
him as an actor. And we have to talk about the direction. Zoe Kravitz takes some big swings here, and it pays off. As a debut director, she shows a confident grasp of suspense, pacing, and character death. Kravitz balances moments of horror with dark humor, and she uses symbolic elements and unexpected
character portrayals to draw us deep into Frida's mind.
The way she crafts an unreliable world around Frida is brilliant, creating a disorienting
immersive experience for the viewer. We can sound design play crucial roles here. The soundtrack amplifies the tension, with eerie strings and intense orchestration underscoring
Frida's unraveling mental state. Each score is carefully timed to echo her emotions, pulling the audience into her psychological dissent.
It's one of those soundscapes that make you feel like you're right there with her, trying to piece together reality from the chaos. Now, while Blink twice hits a lot of the right notes, it isn't without a few minor criticisms. One area where some viewers felt the film fell a bit short was the storyline involving the mysterious drugs central to the plot.
The film doesn't fully dive into its background, which left some details vague. It feels like there was more story to tell there, and a bit more explanation might have added even more depth. And then there's the ending. Without giving any spoilers, let's just say the conclusion didn't give everyone the satisfaction they were hoping for.
Some viewers felt it could have packed a stronger punch or lasted a bit longer to really
give closure to the suspense that had been building. But even with those small drawbacks, Blink twice is undeniably a powerful debut from
Zoey Cravitz.
My Rating
I'd give it a solid 7 out of 10. The film is layered with symbolism, and the visual storytelling is captivating. Between the performances, the direction, and the film's social themes, it really grabs your attention and doesn't let go.
So that's my review of Blink twice.
If you're in the mood for a thriller that'll keep you guessing and make you think, this is a must watch.