Blink Twice (2024)
Review
It’s not every day that a film leaves me with an urgent need to unpack everything I’ve just seen, but Blink Twice is precisely that kind of movie. Throughout its runtime, I found myself on the edge of my seat, nearly letting slip an expletive more than once—a rare occurrence, to say the least. This is not an easy film to watch, and it’s clear that it wasn’t intended to be. Blink Twice isn’t just a movie; it’s an experience, one that will leave you questioning, reflecting, and maybe even reeling long after the credits roll.
Let’s set the stage: Frida, played by Naomi Ackie, and her friend Jess, portrayed by Alia Shawkat, are two waitresses navigating the high-end event scene in New York City. These events are where the elite gather, and on this particular night, they find themselves at an event hosted by Slater King, played by Channing Tatum. Slater is a billionaire who is in the midst of a public redemption tour after being ousted from his company following a series of harassment allegations. Frida and Jess, enticed by the glamour of the event, manage to slip into the party, blending in with the crowd in their borrowed cocktail dresses. Slater quickly takes a liking to them, and before they can fully grasp what’s happening, they find themselves whisked away to his opulent private island—a place where indulgence knows no bounds.
On the surface, the island is a paradise. The girls are surrounded by luxury, from endless champagne to gourmet food and every conceivable comfort. The other guests seem to be having the time of their lives, reveling in the extravagance of it all. But from the very beginning, there’s a lingering sense that something is not quite right. The atmosphere is thick with an unspoken tension, an undercurrent of unease that never quite dissipates. This is where the film’s brilliance begins to shine through; it keeps you on edge, always questioning, never quite allowing you to settle into the supposed comfort of the setting.
Before delving deeper into the film’s themes, it’s essential to discuss the performances. The cast is relatively small, but each actor delivers a performance that is nothing short of exceptional. The emotional intensity that permeates the film is palpable, and every actor rises to the occasion. Naomi Ackie, as Frida, is the film’s emotional core. Her portrayal is nothing short of captivating, often shown in extreme close-ups that leave her no room to hide. These moments are intense, raw, and unflinching, and Ackie handles them with an impressive depth of emotion.
Adria Arjona, who plays a key supporting role, serves as a grounding presence throughout much of the film. Her performance adds layers to the narrative, providing a necessary balance to the more chaotic elements of the story. Then there are the heavyweights—Kyle MacLachlan, Geena Davis, and Christian Slater—each of whom delivers a memorable performance despite limited screen time. Their presence adds gravitas to the film, elevating it in subtle yet significant ways. And Channing Tatum, in a role that could easily have been one-dimensional, brings a surprising depth and nuance to his character, Slater King. In fact, this might just be Tatum’s best work to date—a bold statement, but one that I stand by after witnessing his performance here.
One of Blink Twice‘s greatest strengths is its ability to create and sustain a mood. Right from the start, there’s a sense that something is off. Given the real-world events we’ve all become familiar with, it’s no surprise that joining a billionaire on his private island might not be the safest decision. The film capitalizes on this unease, using it to keep the audience off-balance. The way it’s shot, the way it’s edited, and the setting itself all contribute to a sense of disorientation. Time and place become slippery concepts, leaving both the characters and the audience unsure of where they stand. This constant state of flux creates an atmosphere of discomfort that is almost palpable.
Part of what makes the film so effective is the way it plays with expectations. For instance, there’s an ongoing motif involving chickens—seemingly innocuous, but in the context of the film, it takes on a much more sinister tone. Even before any overtly disturbing events occur, the film manages to unsettle you, making you question what’s really happening and why. The opulent yet unnerving locations add to this sense of unease, creating a world that feels both familiar and alien at the same time. The film’s ability to make you feel uncomfortable in such a subtle, almost insidious way is a testament to the skill of both the director and the cinematographer.
Verdict
In conclusion, Blink Twice is a film that stands out for its boldness, both in its storytelling and its visual style. Zoë Kravitz’s directorial debut is a commendable effort that showcases her ability to create an atmosphere of unease while tackling complex, timely themes. The performances, particularly by Naomi Ackie and Channing Tatum, are stellar, and the film’s ability to keep the audience on edge is a testament to its effective execution. However, the intense and unsettling nature of the content makes it a challenging watch, and it’s not a film for the faint of heart.
For its strong performances, compelling direction, and thought-provoking narrative, but also considering its heavy and sometimes overwhelming content, I would give Blink Twice a solid 8 out of 10. It’s a film that leaves a lasting impression, even if it’s not always an easy one to digest.