Blink Twice

By: Jamie Steinberg

Zoë Kravitz channels her inner M. Night Shyamalan in her directorial debut Blink Twice. With a cast filled with big names (including fiancé Channing Tatum), one expects the film to deliver on plot as well. However, Blink Twice reminds that spur of the moment decisions can be a good or a bad thing yet fails to deliver on the toxic traits it seeks to highlight.

We find hospitality worker Frida (Naomi Ackie) low on money and hoping that the arrival of millionaire Slater King (Tatum) will bring in some much-needed income and entertainment. King, for his part, is on the luxury island to step away from the limelight and his time as company CEO after a series of very public faux pas. Warned not to be overly friendly with this particular guest, Frida still seems to be drawn to him despite additional admonishment from her bestie Jess (Alia Shawkat). Yet King’s celebrity status still draws them in, and Frida is even able to catch his attention to the point of receiving an invitation to his secluded island. Surely, the money Frida’s monetary needs encourage her to take a chance. Blink Twice focuses on the balance of power between men and women and, certainly, the topic of “toxic masculinity” will arise as well. Sadly, the film falls flat when it takes a left and begins to dive into the familiar storyline of revenge.

The standout performance of the film goes to Geena Davis, who plays King’s personal assistant. This character highlights what we all think it is like to do a job when the boss is well known and barely sees the person behind the employee despite being the gatekeeper to all of their secrets. Tatum also does a great job with his version of a certain Hollywood producer who was convicted of some very serious crimes. It’s a villain role that he plays quite convincingly. A shoutout should also go to Christian Slater, Simon Rex, Haley Joel Osment and Kyle MacLachlan.

Blink Twice uses metaphorical horror to startle its viewers, much like Olivia Wilde’s film Don’t Worry Darling. In that vein it is stylish and intriguing, but it lacks in truly unpacking the themes it seeks to shine a light on. Sure, your skin will crawl, but with Kravitz only going so far with her attempts to focus on Hollywood tropes the film falls a bit short on the momentum for its message.