So, I just watched Zoë Kravitz’s directorial debut, Blink Twice, and I have to say—it’s an interesting one. The premise hooked me right away: a cocktail waitress named Frida gets whisked off to a billionaire’s private island, only to find that paradise isn’t quite what it seems. It starts with sun-soaked luxury and endless partying but quickly spirals into something dark and disturbing. While the film has some great moments, it also feels like it’s trying to mix too many ingredients from other movies without really improving on them.
Let me start with the good stuff. The sound design is absolutely phenomenal. There’s this constant snake hissing and the sharp snip of scissors that gave me actual chills. It kept me on edge the whole time, even during scenes that seemed innocent. The cinematography is also stunning. The contrast between the island’s beautiful, vibrant setting and the creeping sense of dread is handled so well—it’s both dreamy and unsettling. Plus, Naomi Ackie and Channing Tatum deliver strong performances. Ackie really pulls you into Frida’s journey, while Tatum twists his usual charm into something darker and more sinister.
That said, I couldn’t shake the feeling that I’d seen this all before. The film borrows a lot from thrillers like Get Out, The Menu, and Triangle of Sadness, but it doesn’t really bring anything new to the table. It’s like a weird cocktail mix of those movies—entertaining in parts, but not as impactful as it wants to be. The pacing doesn’t help, either. The middle section drags with repetitive scenes, and then the ending rushes through its big reveals so fast it’s hard to fully process everything.
I also appreciated the film’s ambition in tackling big themes like power dynamics and privilege, but sometimes it felt like it was hitting me over the head with its message. A little more subtlety could have gone a long way in making it all resonate.
Smash Hit Score: 7/10
Blink Twice is a mixed bag. There’s definitely a lot to appreciate, from the gorgeous visuals to the chilling sound design and compelling performances. But it doesn’t fully come together, and it left me wishing for something fresher and more focused. It’s worth a watch if you’re into social thrillers, but don’t expect it to blow your mind.
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