Actors becoming filmmakers … why not stick to your lane? Despite my skepticism entering the screening, Zoë Kravitz’s directorial debut does not disappoint. Her new film Blink Twice is a psychological thriller that explores themes of elitism, sexual violence and the agency of women.
Starring Channing Tatum (Slater King) and Naomi Acke (Frida), the story begins when Frida and her friend Jess (Alia Shawkat) work as caterers at tech billionaire Slater King’s fundraiser. They receive an unexpected invitation to join him and his friends on his private tropical island. As time passes, things are not as perfect as they seem, and Frida makes sure the girls make it out alive.
Kravitz tries to mash up a thriller plot with rom-com nuances such as googly-eyed scenes and tiny shy smiles between Slater King and Frida as suspenseful music builds in the background. Do directors still think these rom-com quirks will appeal to audiences, or is it the safest way to get that humorous effect?
Typical thriller techniques set the tone for what is to come—remote location, sexual tension and the gun. Kravitz seems to be discovering her directorial style, following the brutally realistic patterns of violence seen in the films of her favorite directors, including Quentin Tarantino and Martin Scorcese. On the other hand, her scenes are balanced by a warm color palette and symmetry in the shots. The continuity of the shots and the modern soundtrack provide a sense of aesthetic satisfaction, making Blink Twice an enjoyable movie to watch on the big screen.
While the film follows the example set by other Eat the Rich flicks (e.g., Parasite, Triangle of Sadness, The Menu), it succeeds in its goal of addressing the issues of the deteriorating moral compass of the wealthy, the power imbalance between the sexes and the need for active action over passive commentary.
Blink Twice is an unexpectedly good movie that will keep you on the edge of your seat. It brings up modern societal issues within the changing world order and will make you ask the uncomfortable questions you may have avoided.
‘Blink Twice’ premieres in Finland on August 23.
