Rating: ★★★☆☆ (3/5 Stars)
Released 08-23-2024
Watched 08-25-2024
Reviewed 08-26-2024
Watched in the theater Using Cinemark Movie Club
"Are you having a good time?"
Zoë Kravitz's directorial debut, Blink Twice, is a psychological thriller that holds promise but ultimately falls short of its potential. The film, starring Naomi Ackie as Frida, a nail artist turned unwilling participant in a billionaire's twisted island retreat, weaves a tale that’s part social commentary, part psychological horror. Here is the issue I have: how do you rate a movie and or suggest people go see it if it opens with this trigger warning:
"Trigger Warning. We are proud to finally share 'Blink Twice' with audiences in theaters worldwide this week. 'Blink Twice' is a psychological thriller about the abuse of power. While this is a fictionalized movie, it contains mature themes and depictions of violence — including sexual violence. This may be upsetting or triggering for some viewers. For resources that offer support, visit BlinkTwiceResources.com."
If that puts you off and your gut reaction is, "I don't want to see that kind of movie," this isn't for you. However, if that kind of warning intrigues you, I may have rated this lower than you would. With that said, I rated the movie based on the script, acting, and premise, which are sold but make for a middle-of-the-road film. With those caveats, my review is below without any other spoilers.
The plot starts with Frida, played with intense vulnerability by Ackie, accepting an invitation to a private island from Slater King (Channing Tatum), a disgraced tech mogul. Accompanied by her friend Jess (Alia Shawkat), Frida is quickly thrust into a world of opulence, drugs, and hidden dangers. The ensemble cast, including Christian Slater as a mysterious photographer and Simon Rex as a private chef, adds layers of tension.
Kravitz, who co-wrote the script with E.T. Feigenbaum, explores themes of power, control, and the blurred lines between pleasure and danger. The film's tone is also inconsistent, oscillating between psychological thriller and a more surreal, almost campy horror. This lack of coherence detracts from the overall impact, leaving the viewer sometimes more puzzled than thrilled.
Blink Twice has its moments—Naomi Ackie’s performance is compelling, and the film does a commendable job of building an unsettling atmosphere. However, it never fully delivers on its potential as a psychological thriller. The film’s social commentary feels somewhat forced or maybe too in-your-face, and its shock value comes so late in the movie that the pacing is disjointed.
Blink Twice is a one-time watch for those intrigued by its themes, trigger warnings, or cast. It’s a film that may have fared better as a direct-to-streaming release, where its niche appeal could have found a more forgiving audience. As it stands, it’s a commendable effort, but not quite the must-see thriller it aspired to be.
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