Art is a messy bitch, and there isn’t always objective answers to describe its complex allure. That largely has to do with a medium’s usage as entertainment, and how that crosses paths with real-world ideas and conflicts. So I don’t envy first-time director Zoë Kravitz for helming a project like Blink Twice, a briskly paced thriller that takes an unflinching look at some of the darkness hiding behind the grandeur of fame and fortune. It stars Naomi Ackie and Alia Shawkat as two besties and star-struck waitresses, who stumble upon a once in a lifetime opportunity – they’re invited to a lavish island getaway, where they’ll be partying with tech billionaire Slater King (Channing Tatum). The movie isn’t much interested in the details of what King does for a living, and neither are we, Tech Billionaire™ will suffice.
For a novice filmmaker, Kravitz often displays the visual storytelling of an experienced director. There’s a key moment early involving an element of clothing that quickly puts the audience on edge, yet doesn’t give too much away. The editing is swift and well-orchestrated, inundating the audience with all necessary information, but also doing it in style. The film’s fast pace matches the exuberance of the characters, many of whom are awed by Slater King’s celebrity, as well as the wealth that exemplifies the island. To many of the attendees, they’ve reached paradise, and said paradise seems to be a never-ending party. But as the hours turn to days, the women in attendance begin to feel a malaise come over them, as they slowly get the feeling that something is happening that they can’t quite explain. Maybe it’s all in their head, or maybe their head is actually their best ally.
The film is a case study of the duality of art. On the one hand, it is arresting and deeply fascinating. Yet, that entertainment comes at the expense of some sinister subject matter. There’s a warning at the beginning of the movie that puts these topics into perspective, especially to viewers it may most be upsetting towards. I won’t disagree with anyone who feels they can’t stomach the subject matter; that’s their choice. For those who feel they can endure the strong content, Blink Twice is a rewarding but intense couple of hours. It lures you in with amazing vibes and genuine filmmaking craftsmanship, but it takes a turn that not only makes you pay a penance for this enjoyment, it also forces the audience to confront some daunting realities.
Nonetheless, it is a strong movie with an impeccable cast. Ackie is a compelling and resourceful lead character, while Tatum is at times bordering on a tour de force. Their relationship and chemistry are also key to the whole story working. Ackie showcases a wistful attachment to a larger than life man, while Tatum’s performance wants you to believe he’s genuinely smitten and flirtatious with this woman, but how much of that display can we believe?
But there’s also a deep bench here, with great turns from Adria Arjona (who almost steals the movie), Haley Joel Osment, Shawkat, Christian Slater, and Geena Davis of all people. Where was she hiding? It would be spoiling to list out how each actor plays their role in the story, but they’re a colorful supporting cast providing plenty of comedic moments as well as hard-hitting dramatic beats.
However, if I have any reservations about the movie, it’s mostly to do with some key story choices. For starters, the movie plays a little fast and loose with its internal logic, calling into question how some McGuffins in the story actually work. It’s one of those instances where the story’s depiction of a powerful object is done with questionable consistency, where the filmmakers can seemingly pick and choose what the object has an effect on. But more importantly, the story progresses in a controversial way that kind of contradicts some of the character relationships we’ve seen earlier in the movie. This element of the story would perhaps be more rounded if we’ve seen a stronger element of celebrity worship from this character earlier in the movie; similar to the mix of mental illness and celebrity obsession seen in the TV show Swarm (2023). It doesn’t derail the movie, but it will perhaps be one of the more polarizing talking points as this film is discussed for months and months.
These contestable story elements do end up detracting from the experience, which (up to that point) was establishing itself as perhaps one of the best movies of the year. Regardless, I came away from Blink Twice respecting its story structure and harrowing sequences, some of which may be imprinted on my brain for a long time. It makes you question the psyche and decision-making of people you don’t quite understand and will hopefully also force many viewers to look inward for their own introspection. I don’t believe every statement the movie makes is totally sound, but what it gets right is not only necessary to hear and see, but Kravitz somehow makes the experience equal parts entertaining and tragic. Whether people will learn from that art, your mileage may vary, for art is merely a looking glass.
