By: Lana K. Wilson-Combs
Zoe Kravitz ("The Batman") makes a stunning directorial debut with the taut, psychological thriller,
"Blink Twice." Kravitz, demonstrates a compelling vision as she steps behind the camera, delivering a film that is as unsettling as it is engaging.
Kravitz, along with co-screenwriter
E.T. Feigenbaum (TV's "High Fidelity"), has crafted a story that intricately weaves together elements of psychological trauma, dark humor, and social commentary. The result is a film that keeps viewers on edge while simultaneously provoking thought about its deeper themes and meaning.
In "Blink Twice,"
Channing Tatum ("Fly Me to the Moon," "Deadpool & Wolverine") turns in another memorable performance. This time he plays a billionaire tech mogul named Slater King, whose tarnished public image is marred by scandalous allegations of misconduct with women. The film opens with Slater in the midst of a high-profile apology tour—a transparent attempt to repair his reputation.
Despite his dubious past, his charm and wealth still captivate and leads him to a chance encounter with Frida (Naomi Ackie, "Whitney Houston: I Wanna Dance with Somebody"), a waitress who is thrilled that she and her friend Jess (Alia Shawkat, "Drift") are working at one of Slater's fundraising galas.
Slater's interest in Frida seems too good to be true.
He invites her and Jess to his private island, promising a few days of opulent luxury. Their arrival is met with indulgent amenities and a cast of eccentric, wealthy guests, including Vic (Christian Slater, TV's "The Spiderwick Chronicles"), Cody (Simon Rex, "The Sweet East"), Tom (Haley Joel Osment, TV's "Megamind Rules!"), and Slate's persnickety sister/assistant Stacy (Geena Davis, "Fairyland").
The island's luxury is overwhelming. The champagne flows like water and the food is to die for. Frida and Jess are initially blown away by all of it.
However, the paradise quickly reveals its darker side. As the women interact with other guests like Sarah (Arjona, "Hit Man"), Camilla (Liz Caribel, "God's Time"), and Heather (Trew Mullen, "Sunny Family Cult"), they uncover unsettling stories and begin to sense something amiss. Strange occurrences and a menacing old woman with a deadly snake further add to the drama.
What are two young women who have never even sniffed this kind of lifestyle supposed to do with all this luxury now at their disposal? Enjoy it of course or at least try to.
The plot deepens as Slater's team of hired psychiatrists and security—whose intentions are as murky as the island’s mysteries—introduce new layers of intrigue.
What initially seems like a glamorous retreat, morphs into a labyrinth of psychological traps, blurring the lines between reality and paranoia.
Kravitz's direction adeptly balances the film’s brooding atmosphere with moments of incisive humor. Tatum’s portrayal of Slater is multifaceted, capturing the character’s vulnerability, arrogance, and desperation. His performance scrutinizes the notion of personal redemption and the extremes to which some individuals will go to escape their past.
The movie's cinematography and score enhance its psychological impact, with the use of James Brown's "The Boss" ("Black Caesar" soundtrack) framing the movie in a memorable way. The overall haunting score further amplifies the film's disturbing moments.
With "Blink Twice," Kravitz's directorial debut emerges as a significant and promising addition to the psychological thriller genre.
Editor's Note: Be sure to catch my N2Entertainment.net movie talk segment on the Kitty O'Neal Show Fridays now at 5:17 p.m. and 6:47 p.m. on radio station KFBK 93.1 FM and 1530 AM.
Look At This Trailer For
"BLINK TWICE"
Lana K. Wilson-Combs is a member of the Broadcast Film Critics Association (BFCA), The American Film Institute (AFI), and a Nominating Committee Voting Member for the NAACP Image Awards.
