Zoë Kravitz’s directorial debut, “Blink Twice,” lands with such force and confidence that it’s almost hard to believe it’s her first film. Kravitz demonstrates a level of assurance typically seen in seasoned auteurs with multiple films under their belt. In a cinematic landscape that is ever-evolving, her entry is nothing short of impressive. Especially when placed alongside Ishana Night Shyamalan’s “The Watchers,” the differences in approach are sharply pronounced, further highlighting Kravitz’s unique voice in the realm of filmmaking.
“Blink Twice” stands out not just because of its visionary direction but also because it taps into a timely theme: the portrayal of tech billionaires as the villains of our modern age. Whether driven by jealousy or genuine critique, the narrative choice reflects a broader cultural sentiment. Visually, the film is nothing short of mesmerizing. The use of primary colors—lush reds, blinding whites, and fiery yellows—creates a sensory overload reminiscent of early works by Tarsem Singh. It’s as if the screen itself demands to be consumed in a single, immersive gulp.
The screenplay, co-written by Kravitz and E.T. Feigenbaum, centers on Frida (portrayed by Naomi Ackie), a cocktail waitress who catches the attention of tech mogul Slater King (played convincingly by Channing Tatum) during a high-society fundraiser. King’s backstory is one of public disgrace followed by ostensible redemption, facilitated by his therapist, Rich (Kyle MacLachlan, known for his role as Trey in “Sex and the City”).
The film opens on a note that recalls Baz Luhrmann’s iconic “Romeo + Juliet,” with Frida and her friend Jess (Alia Shawkat) preparing for the fundraiser. The parallels continue with a drug-fueled party scene set to ‘Young Hearts Run Free,’ echoing similar moments from the Claire Danes-Leonardo DiCaprio starrer. This preparation scene sets the stage for a descent into a world that promises luxury but harbors hidden horrors. Frida and Jess are soon whisked away to a seemingly idyllic tropical island, filled with gourmet food, endless wine, and a steady supply of mind-altering substances.
King’s entourage on this island getaway is a group of eccentric individuals, each with their quirks and histories.
. Vic (Christian Slater), the tech guru’s right-hand man, is missing a finger—a detail steeped in horrific backstory that he refrains from discussing. Then there’s Cody (Simon Rex), a connoisseur of fine dining, and Tom (Haley Joel Osment), depicted as unwaveringly upright. The group also includes Stacie (Geena Davis), an overburdened assistant who refuses help, and Sarah (Adria Arjona), initially hostile towards Frida. Completing the strange ensemble is a maid (María Elena Olivares) who cryptically whispers “red rabbit” whenever she encounters Frida.
As Frida integrates with the group, she slowly uncovers that the island paradise is anything but idyllic. The more she digs, the more she finds herself ensnared in a web of deceit and horror. While the narrative starts slowly, with scenes that often feel disjointed, the seemingly haphazard structure may be an intentional choice. This deliberate confusion can be seen as an attempt to evoke a psychedelic sense of disorientation—where events and conversations fade in and out, defying a linear progression. Yet, this technique can also prove distracting, pulling the viewer out of the immersive experience with questions like, “How did that happen?” or “Why is the drug and its antidote stored together?”
Despite some structural hiccups, the acting in “Blink Twice” is top-notch. Tatum’s portrayal of King stands out, and the dream-like, almost hallucinatory visuals keep the audience engaged. The soundtrack further pulls the viewers into a nostalgic trip back to campus days and existential musings about life, memory, and forgetting—one of the central themes of the film.
However, the film’s problematic elements include intrusive censor edits, particularly the blurred vapes, which are crucial to the plot. Moreover, with tighter editing, “Blink Twice” had the potential to transition from an unsettling curiosity to a remarkable cinematic gem. Notably absent was a trigger warning, an oversight considering the film’s intense themes and visual content.
Currently running in theaters, “Blink Twice” is a bold venture into the world of cinema by Zoë Kravitz. It offers an intriguing blend of psychedelic visuals, timely themes, and a scrutinizing look at the moral fallibility of tech tycoons. While not without its flaws, it establishes Kravitz as a director to look out for in the future of filmmaking.
