Zoe Kravitz steps behind the camera for her directorial debut, Blink Twice, a social thriller that immediately grabs your attention with its style and sharp satire. The film plunges into the world of Frida, a young woman from a modest background who finds herself invited to a luxurious private island owned by a tech billionaire. What begins as a seemingly idyllic romantic getaway quickly descends into a disorienting and disturbing experience. Frida’s dream vacation morphs into a nightmare filled with unsettling mind games, fragmented memories, and a heavy dose of dark social commentary.
Kravitz confidently demonstrates her skills as a director, crafting a visually striking movie that expertly balances moments of genuine humor with creeping tension. The performances from the cast are strong, the dialogue is witty and pointed, and the film is packed with eye-catching visuals that keep you invested. It’s clear from Blink Twice that Kravitz is not just an actor dabbling in directing; she possesses a genuine talent for filmmaking.
However, despite its undeniable style and promising setup, Blink Twice unfortunately becomes somewhat overwhelmed by its own ambitions. The plot attempts to grapple with a wide range of weighty themes in a limited timeframe. Toxic masculinity, the complexities of trauma, white privilege, and cancel culture are all touched upon, and while these are relevant topics, their sheer volume within the narrative leads to a sense of narrative clutter. The story becomes less focused, diluting the potential impact of its social critiques. Furthermore, the pacing suffers from repetitive scenes that slow momentum, and the foreshadowing is often heavy-handed, making the eventual plot twist feel somewhat predictable. By the time the central mystery is revealed, many viewers may have already anticipated it, diminishing its intended shock value. The ending, in particular, feels like a letdown, undermining any potential feminist message and leaving a similar aftertaste to the controversial conclusion of Saltburn. Thematic issues run deep, and a more in-depth theoretical analysis could uncover further layers.
If you are familiar with recent social satire thrillers such as Glass Onion, Triangle of Sadness, The Menu, or Don’t Worry Darling, Blink Twice will likely feel like it occupies similar territory. This familiarity can be both a positive and a negative. On one hand, it taps into a popular and engaging genre. On the other, it can feel somewhat derivative, despite its strong initial impression. Had Blink Twice been released a decade earlier, it might have felt more groundbreaking and impactful.
Nevertheless, Blink Twice is not without its merits. Its visual style is undeniable, and Kravitz’s consistently dark and unsettling tone could cultivate a dedicated cult following. In its third act, the film attempts a shift towards slasher horror elements, which is partially successful. However, for seasoned horror enthusiasts, the level of grit and gore might feel somewhat restrained. While horror fans might find aspects to appreciate, it’s unlikely to be a genre-defining experience or leave viewers feeling uplifted.
Ultimately, Blink Twice is a well-crafted film, but it is also intentionally unsettling and disturbing. The movie effectively draws the audience into its fantasy world alongside the characters, creating a palpable sense of unease and anxiety. Zoe Kravitz demonstrates significant potential as a director, and with a more streamlined narrative focus, a future project could be truly exceptional. For now, Blink Twice is a mixed offering – worth watching for its stylish direction and intriguing ideas, but approach it with tempered expectations and don’t anticipate a cinematic masterpiece. For those interested in experiencing this stylish thriller, keep an eye on streaming platforms and on-demand services to find where to watch Blink Twice as it becomes available.
