What’s It About
When tech billionaire Slater King meets Frida, he invites her to join him and his friends for a dream vacation on his private island. However, as strange things start to happen, she’ll have to uncover the truth if she wants to make it out alive.
MOVIESinMO REVIEW
Zöe Kravitz makes her directorial debut with Blink Twice, a film that has piqued interest not only because of its intriguing premise but also due to Kravitz’s lineage as the daughter of Lenny Kravitz and Lisa Bonet. With such famous parents, her work will inevitably face intense scrutiny from critics who might judge her more harshly. Adding to the anticipation is the film’s resemblance to Jordan Peele’s distinct style, known for blending social commentary with suspenseful storytelling. In Blink Twice, Channing Tatum portrays Slater, a once-revered entrepreneur whose reputation has recently crumbled. As a billionaire with a private island, Slater invites his closest male friends—played by Christian Slater, Simon Rex, and Haley Joel Osment—to retreat from the pressures of the real world. The group indulges in an extravagant museum outing before Slater extends an invitation to Frida (Naomi Ackie), a nail artist and cocktail waitress, along with her best friend Jess (Alia Shawkat), Sarah (Adria Arjona), and a few other women to join them on the island. However, the atmosphere of paradise quickly fades as Frida begins to sense that something is amiss in this seemingly idyllic setting. At the outset, Frida is captivated by Slater, clumsily flaunting her allure in a striking red dress at a monochrome cocktail party to catch his eye. Her persistence pays off when Slater extends an invitation to his secluded island. There, Frida and Jess revel in a life of luxury, lounging by the pool, sipping endless glasses of champagne, and losing themselves in nights of drug-induced revelry. Frida basks in Slater’s attention, thrilled that he seems genuinely interested in her despite the presence of Sarah, a reality TV star who also vies for his affections. Yet beneath the surface, the audience can’t ignore the unease surrounding the scenario: a group of women isolated on an island without access to transportation, medical aid, or communication, all under the watchful eye of a man they barely know. Like many films inspired by Jordan Peele, Blink Twice unravels its narrative layers, revealing more than meets the eye. The film’s portrayal of the female characters initially suggests they are shallow and easily swayed by the allure of a millionaire’s lifestyle, filled with alcohol, drugs, and sunshine. Meanwhile, the men are depicted as powerful, entitled billionaires who commit heinous acts without a shred of remorse. This dynamic is a stark commentary on contemporary social issues, underscoring the importance of movements like #MeToo. As the island’s sinister reality comes to light, the bond between Frida and Sarah strengthens, leading to an empowering and cathartic twist. Frida’s character navigates the chaos around her, her facial expressions and body language conveying a range of emotions from excitement to disbelief and horror. In a departure from his typical roles, Tatum delivers a performance that showcases his dramatic chops, portraying Slater as charming yet menacing, with an unexpected outburst hinting at his true nature. Sarah’s character injects light-hearted moments into the film, her chemistry with Frida adding depth to their growing friendship. While Jess remains in the background, the scenes featuring Frida and Sarah are among the film’s most memorable. Whether downing venomous tequila shots or sharing a brief but poignant moment during an impromptu dinner dance, their camaraderie in the face of escalating danger is palpable. Ultimately, Blink Twice is a film that critiques modern social behavior, allowing audiences to reflect on the underlying issues while acknowledging that, at its core, it tells a familiar story. The film explores power dynamics between men and women, the disparity between the wealthy and the less fortunate, and the satisfaction of imagining a visceral response to societal injustices that often seem untouchable.
OUR RATING – A VENOMOUS 6.5
MEDIA
- Genre – Thriller
- Street date
- Digital – September 17, 2024
- Blu-Ray/DVD – November 5, 2024
- Video – 1080p
- Screen size – 2.39:1
- Sound – English: DTS-HD Master Audio 5.1, English: Dolby Digital 5.1, French: Dolby Digital 5.1, Spanish: Dolby Digital 5.1, Italian: Dolby Digital 5.1, Audio descriptive
- Subtitles – English SDH, French, Italian, Spanish, Dutch, Finnish, Norwegian, Swedish
Extras
- none