Movie Review: Blink Twice

The new thriller Blink Twice signals the arrival of Zoë Kravitz as a director and, as far as debuts of this ilk go, this one proves to be fairly impressive, suggesting the actress may have a formidable career as a filmmaker as well.

The film begins as tech billionaire Slater King (played by a constantly vaping Channing Tatum) is hosting a fundraising gala. There, he befriends waitress Frida (Naomi Ackie) and invites her to his private island for a weekend retreat along with the rest of his party. Once there, the getaway seems like a paradise to Frida and she finds herself never wanting to return home. But, then, things start to happen, forcing Frida to question whether what is happening to her is happening at all. Feeling there is definitely something sinister going on, she set out to discover the truth before it’s too late.

Director Zoë Kravitz, who also co-wrote the screenplay with E.T. Feigenbaum, displays a solid knack for creating tension and suspense with a film that builds it creepiness as it moves along at a leisurely pace. But what proves most intriguing is the way the film does a quick change from a tense thriller to another, equally effective genre almost effortlessly as it barrels toward a satisfying and cathartic conclusion.

As Frida, Ackie carries the film almost effortlessly. She is at times, the damsel in distress, while at other times, the capable hero, yet at other times, a reluctant savior. As Slater, Tatum is a haunting and disturbing villain as are other members of his island party crew, including: Christian Slater, Haley Joel Osment, and Geena Davis. Like Frida, Adria Arjona’s Sarah proves capable of holding her own alongside Frida as the horrific events of the film unfold.

Naomi Ackie in “Blink Twice.” Photo by Courtesy of ©MGM.

In addition to Kravitz’s direction, the surreal nightmare that befalls guests of the island is handled mostly by the claustrophobic cinematography of Adam Newport-Berra, who makes even the more open locations seem tight and hemmed in once the action of the film takes hold. Similarly, the editing of Kathryn J. Schubert refrains from relying on quick cuts or jolts to create tension or surprise the audience. Instead, these elements unfold much like the reality of what is happening to Frida grows less opaque as the film moves along.

With Blink Twice, Zoë Kravitz has established herself as a filmmaker to pay attention to and one to expect great things from in the future if her sensational directorial debut is any indication of things to come.

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Mike Tyrkus

Editor in Chief at CinemaNerdz.com

An independent filmmaker, co-writer and director of over a dozen short films, the Editor in Chief of CinemaNerdz.com has spent much of the last three decades as a writer and editor specializing in biographical and critical reference sources in literature and the cinema, beginning in February 1991 reviewing films for his college newspaper. He was a member of the Detroit Film Critics Society, as well as the group's webmaster and one-time President for over a decade until the group ceased to exist. His contributions to film criticism can be found in Magill's Cinema Annual, VideoHound's Golden Movie Retriever (of which he was the editor for nearly a decade until it too ceased to exist), the International Dictionary of Films and Filmmakers, and the St. James Film Directors Encyclopedia (on which he collaborated with editor Andrew Sarris). He has also appeared on the television program Critic LEE Speaking alongside Lee Thomas of FOX2 and Adam Graham, of The Detroit News. He currently lives in the Detroit area with his wife and their dogs.

@miketyrkus

Mike Tyrkus

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