In her directorial debut, “Blink Twice,” Zoë Kravitz, known for her acting and her high-profile background, presents a film teeming with thematic ambition. This thriller aims to sit at the crossroads of recent “eat the rich” satires and post-Get Out social critiques, blending elements of contemporary horror with themes of trauma, misogyny, and materialism. Despite its lavish presentation, the film struggles under the weight of its own excesses, resulting in a mixed reception.
The film, co-written by Kravitz and her “High Fidelity” collaborator ET Feigenbaum, tries to balance multiple themes. It draws inspiration from high-profile scandals like Jeffrey Epstein’s, exploring issues of abuse and gender performance. However, it falls short due to its heavy reliance on familiar tropes and narrative devices.
Naomi Ackie stars as Frida, a weary caterer who dreams of a glamorous life depicted on Instagram. Her fortunes change when she and her friend Jess (played by Alia Shawkat) manage to infiltrate an opulent gala hosted by disgraced billionaire Slater King, portrayed by Channing Tatum. King, seeking refuge on his private island, invites the women for a seemingly carefree retreat, which soon becomes a tense environment.
Kravitz, drawing from her own experiences, captures the allure of luxury with a skilled visual approach. Cinematographer Adam Newport-Berra complements this with striking imagery, from the crisp sounds of champagne to the tantalizing visuals of gourmet food. Despite this, the film’s extended focus on indulgent poolside scenes and drug-fueled parties becomes monotonous.
“Blink Twice” offers a compelling mystery but is hindered by a lack of sharp dialogue and nuanced conflict. Ackie’s performance as the lead feels overshadowed by the more developed role of Tatum’s character. While Tatum delivers a charismatic performance, his role benefits from more screen time and focus, a contrast to Ackie’s underdeveloped character.
Adria Arjona delivers a standout performance as another island resident, adding depth to the narrative. Her portrayal provides a notable counterbalance to the film’s other elements, particularly as the story veers into violent territory.
Ultimately, “Blink Twice” grapples with its own complexity, struggling to maintain coherence amidst its ambitious narrative. The film’s climactic twist, while intended to be shocking, exposes flaws in its execution, leaving viewers with more questions than answers. Kravitz’s attempt to craft a provocative and timely film results in a final product that, while visually captivating, lacks the incisive impact it aims for.
“Blink Twice” opens in US and UK cinemas on August 23.
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