‘Blink Twice’: When a Dream Becomes a Nightmare on a Paradise Island
In 2017, during the filming of another project, Zoe Kravitz conceived the idea for her debut feature film, Blink Twice. This psychological thriller, featuring Naomie Ackie and Channing Tatum in the lead roles, is hitting theaters this week. With its tense atmosphere and captivating performances, the film promises to immerse audiences in a whirlwind of mystery and emotion. Distributed by Warner Bros., here is our take on this intriguing work from an emerging director.
Frida, portrayed by Naomi Ackie, is a young Black woman yearning for a more luxurious and prestigious life. When she lands a bartending job at a gala hosted by billionaire Slater King, played by Channing Tatum, she sees it as a rare opportunity to immerse herself in a world of opulence. Accompanied by her best friend Jess, portrayed by Alia Shawkat, Frida is enticed by Slater’s invitation to join him and his circle of friends on his private island. Drawn by the promise of lavish parties and days of relaxation, the two friends eagerly accept, despite the red flags that quickly surface. Upon their arrival, they notice peculiar rules: cell phones are banned, and all women must wear the same bikini or white dress. While the situation seems suspicious, the allure of abundant champagne, gourmet meals, and the idyllic setting is too tempting to resist. However, as the days pass, unsettling details emerge. Guests begin to forget crucial moments, as if fragments of their memory are slipping away. What started as a dream adventure gradually turns into a nightmare as the island reveals its dark secrets.
In 2017, as the #MeToo movement was gaining momentum, Zoë Kravitz felt compelled to delve into themes of power dynamics and exploitation within influential circles. She enlisted the help of her friend E.T. Feigenbaum, who would become her co-screenwriter, to develop the script for Blink Twice. The screenplay evolved continuously, reflecting the revelations of abuse of power in Hollywood and the business world. “I wanted to explore women who are quickly judged at first glance but gradually reveal themselves as complex characters reclaiming control throughout the story,” Kravitz explains. The film thus serves as a reflection of the struggles many women face in breaking free from patterns of domination.
To portray Slater, Zoë Kravitz sought an actor who could naturally inspire trust while also exuding a sense of charisma and unease. Channing Tatum was her immediate choice. “Everyone would feel safe going on vacation with him,” Kravitz remarks. Producer Tiffany Persons shares this vision and could not picture anyone else in the role. Tatum found the script both fascinating and terrifying, admitting that playing Slater was a real challenge. “There’s nothing likable about this troubled and manipulative character,” Tatum says. For the role of Frida, Kravitz aimed to cast a Black actress who could bring a fresh form of heroism to the screen. Naomi Ackie was the natural choice and eagerly accepted the role. Ackie describes Frida as a new type of heroine, a complex character that evokes a unique form of empathy from the audience. The filming required genuine chemistry between Ackie and Tatum, particularly for intensely challenging scenes. Their dynamic ultimately succeeded in capturing the screen, resulting in a relationship that is both captivating and unsettling.
Channing Tatum, who previously impressed us in Fly Me to the Moon last month, returns with a fresh role in Blink Twice, delivering a performance that is both captivating and surprising. However, it is Naomi Ackie who emerges as the true standout of the film. Her portrayal of a woman who starts off as dominated and vulnerable but gradually transforms into a strong and determined figure is both powerful and moving. Ackie’s subtle and nuanced performance adds remarkable depth to the character of Frida, making her journey all the more impactful. The subject matter explored in Blink Twice is particularly sensitive, a domain where films often fall into stereotypes. Thankfully, this is not the case here. The film handles its themes with originality and nuance, steering clear of conventional clichés and providing a more authentic and thoughtful representation of the issues at hand.
With a low-key promotion, public attention was largely focused on Trap, leaving Blink Twice in the shadows. We went into the film with modest expectations, and were pleasantly surprised. Zoë Kravitz employs vibrant close-ups and intricate details—a cocktail, a glance, a flower—to weave an immersive narrative. Each visual element contributes to drawing the viewer deeply into the story, creating an experience where you live the film as much as you watch it. The film is full of surprises, being unpredictable and offering unexpected twists throughout its unfolding.
We had a delightful experience watching Blink Twice. Although the subject matter is delicate, it is handled with nuance and steers clear of common clichés. The film may have its flaws, but it deserves significant attention at the box office. The evolution of women’s roles throughout the narrative is particularly captivating, adding depth to the story. The soundtrack, composed by Chanda Dancy, further enhances the immersive experience, perfectly capturing the film’s intended atmosphere of tension.
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