A thrilling descent into the illusion of paradise.
I was intrigued by Blink Twice for several reasons. The trailer evoked those classic old-school M Night Shyamalan vibes – filled with an enticing air of mystery.
Additionally, I'm always eager to explore the vision of a debut writer and director, this being Zoe Kravitz, who has already made a mark starring in films such as The Batman and Mad Max: Fury Road.
Blink Twice mostly focuses around Frida (I Wanna Dance with Somebody’s Naomi Ackie). While scrolling through Instagram, she stumbles upon Slater King, played by Channing Tatum, who offers a vague apology for his past, and claims to have undergone a transformation – an insincere gesture that feels typical of the ultra-wealthy. The specifics of his past misdeeds remain shrouded in mystery.
The story unfolds the next evening at a black-tie fundraiser where Frida, initially in her serving attire, surprises everyone by donning a glamorous dress and stepping into the social scene. Her plans take an unexpected turn when she trips in front of the elite crowd, only to be helped by Slater himself. By night’s end, Frida and her best friend Jess (Alia Shawkat) find themselves aboard Slater’s private jet, heading to his island paradise.
This getaway is visually stunning, populated with a cast of intriguing characters, played by the likes of Christian Slater, Geena Davis, Kyle MacLachlan and (talking of Shyamalan) The Sixth Sense’s breakout star Haley Joel Osment. Slater stars as Vic, and he and his staff cater to the guests’ every need, providing everything from clothing to gourmet meals, along with an abundance of drugs. While the island seems perfect, the idyllic settings actually hide darker truths.
Kravitz’s attention to detail is commendable. The costumes, cinematography, eerie ambient sounds, and overall aesthetics come together beautifully – highlighting her clear vision for the film.
The impressive cast generally delivers solid performances, though some characters can occasionally feel a bit one-dimensional. Ackie truly serves as the glue that holds this film together and she absolutely knocks it out of the park. Tatum also appears to be having a great time in his role, bringing his signature charm while delving into darker traits that are less typical for him. I won’t reveal too much, but it’s a pleasure to see him explore this new dimension of his character.
But unfortunately some reveals come abruptly too soon, leaving the movie feeling a bit of a mixed bag come the close – undoing some of the work the build-up had expertly delivered. By the time the third act unfolded, I found myself more inclined to anticipate the twists rather than being genuinely shocked.
With a few adjustments, this could have been a spectacular thriller that truly gets under your skin – but ends up being more commendably ‘solid’ instead of amazing.
That said, it will certainly spark conversation on your way home – undoubtedly a great trait for a movie to have – which should leave Kravitz with a deserved twinkle in her eye after her directorial debut.
ESP Rating: 3.5/5
Mike Clarke
Showcase Cinema De Lux Peterborough, Out Now
Cast: Naomi Ackie, Channing Tatum. Christian Slater, Simon Rex, Adria Arjona, Kyle MacLachlan, Haley Joel Osment, Geena Davis & Alia Shawkat
Running Time: 1 Hr 42 Mins
Director: Zoe Kravitz
Go to www.showcasecinemas.co.uk for all the latest film information & showtimes at Peterborough’s Showcase Cinema De Lux
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