Blink Twice Review: Zoe Kravitz's Thrilling Directorial Debut Shines with Naomi Aki and Channing Tatum
Blink twice review
Introduction
Zoe Kravitz's much-anticipated directorial debut, Blink
Twice, starring Channing Tatum, Naomi Aki, and a star-studded ensemble cast,
brings a mix of thrills, unease, and intoxicating visuals. This review dives
into the film's structure, performances, and Kravitz's unique vision as a
first-time director.
A Dream Vacation Turns Unsettling
The story begins with a seemingly innocent invitation
from tech billionaire Slater King (Channing Tatum) to cocktail waitress Freda
(Naomi Aki). After meeting at a fundraising gala, Freda is whisked away on a
dream vacation to Slater's private island. Accompanied by friends, the
characters embark on what appears to be a carefree, hedonistic escape from
reality.
Drawing its title from the phrase often used to subtly
indicate distress—blink twice if you're in danger—Blink Twice quickly shifts
from a glamorous vacation to an unsettling thriller, where small, almost
imperceptible moments of unease take root.
Building a Slow-Burning Tension
The film excels in creating an atmosphere of
discomfort, but this isn’t immediately apparent. Small, suspicious glances or
sketchy body language build a sense of unease that lingers long after the
scenes. Zoe Kravitz shows tremendous restraint by not revealing the true nature
of the characters’ world until much later, allowing the audience to sit in that
growing discomfort alongside the characters.
This slow-building tension is akin to Jordan Peele's Get
Out, mixed with the carefree allure of the Lotus Eaters from Homer’s Odyssey.
The characters seem blissfully unaware of the danger around them, making the
audience hope they figure out what's going on before it's too late.
Immersive and Dreamlike Visuals
Kravitz's ability to create stunning visual sequences
is one of the film’s most impressive aspects. One particularly captivating
moment is a party and dance sequence on a vast lawn, where the camera follows
the characters as they dance, switching partners seamlessly. The continuous
shot, which lasts for at least a full minute, is beautifully hypnotic.
Kravitz uses symmetry and striking color contrasts to
great effect. Characters dressed in white stand out against the deep reds of
the mansion and the vibrant greens of the surrounding jungle, giving them a
false sense of purity that contrasts their behavior. This use of color and
visual composition not only enhances the story but also adds to the immersive,
almost surreal atmosphere.
Standout Performances: Naomi Aki and Channing Tatum
Naomi Aki's portrayal of Freda is one of the film’s
strongest elements. As someone who doesn’t come from wealth, Freda is initially
awed by the extravagant lifestyle. But as subtle warning signs emerge, she
becomes more observant, trying to determine if her suspicions are valid or if
she's simply overreacting. Aki’s performance captures this delicate balance,
making Freda's journey compelling and relatable.
Channing Tatum’s Slater King is another highlight. He
avoids his usual comedic roles and instead delivers a more grounded and mature
performance. His character has a slight edge, but thanks to his wealth and
charisma, it feels natural rather than forced. Tatum successfully conveys
Slater’s extreme wealth without making him appear larger than life.
Supporting Cast and Sympathetic Arcs
The supporting cast, including Adrea Arona and Aliia
Shawkat, also contribute significantly to the film’s success. Arona’s
character, despite being off-putting and abrasive for much of the film, manages
to create a believable arc that endears her to the audience by the film's end.
This complexity adds depth to the ensemble cast and showcases Kravitz's skill
in directing actors.
Social Commentary and Symbolism
Blink Twice doesn’t shy away from social commentary.
The film takes a critical look at society and human behavior, particularly in
the context of privilege and power. While some of the messaging can come across
as preachy, especially toward the end, it serves to drive home the film’s
central themes. Sometimes, overt messaging is necessary to ensure the point
isn't lost.
A Bonkers Third Act
As the film builds tension through its first two acts,
the final third delivers a shocking and chaotic explosion of events. The
once-patient drama transforms into a full-blown thriller, with an unhinged and
unexpected finale. The transition from slow-building suspense to frenetic
action is jarring but satisfying, giving the audience a thrilling payoff.
Critiques: Plot Conveniences and Overexposed Shots
While the film is largely successful, there are a few
missteps. The camera sometimes lingers too long on certain shots, revealing
more than necessary and taking away from the mystery. Additionally, the final
act includes some convenient plot points that seem a bit too easy or glossed
over, detracting slightly from the otherwise gripping narrative.
Final Thoughts
Overall, Blink Twice is a wild and unexpected thrill
ride. Naomi Aki’s spellbinding performance, combined with Kravitz’s sweeping
and immersive direction, makes the film a must-watch. Despite a few minor
issues, the film is a beautifully mesmerizing experience with a psychotically
deranged twist that will leave viewers on the edge of their seats.
Zoe Kravitz has proven herself as a talented director
with a unique vision, and it will be exciting to see where she goes next.
Summery
Zoe Kravitz’s directorial debut Blink Twice is a
gripping thriller that follows tech billionaire Slater King (Channing Tatum)
and cocktail waitress Freda (Naomi Aki) on a seemingly idyllic vacation that
takes a dark turn. Kravitz masterfully builds a slow-burning sense of unease,
heightened by stunning visuals and immersive, dreamlike sequences. Aki’s
standout performance captures Freda’s growing suspicions, while Tatum brings a
grounded charisma to his role. The film blends social commentary with tense
drama, culminating in a chaotic and thrilling finale. Despite minor plot
conveniences, Blink Twice is a mesmerizing, bold first feature from Kravitz. Rating:
4.5/5.
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