Cast: Naomi Ackie, Channing Tatum, Alia Shawkat, Christian Slater, Simon Rex, Adria Ajona, Haley Joel Osment
Genre: Dark Comedy, Mystery, Thriller
Director: Zoë Kravitz
In Irish Cinemas: 23rd August 2024
In “Blink Twice”, the narrative centres around Frida (Naomi Ackie), a young woman who crosses paths with the enigmatic billionaire Slater King (Channing Tatum) while working at an exclusive charity gala. Drawn to each other, they spend the evening together, sparking an unexpected connection. Captivated by Frida, Slater invites her to join him and his elite friends on his secluded private island. What begins as a glamorous escape soon takes a darker turn. As Frida immerses herself in the opulent world of the rich and powerful, she notices unsettling details that suggest everything isn’t quite what it seems. As layers of deception unravel, Frida realises she may be trapped in a dangerous game with far more at stake than she ever imagined.
Don’t anticipate a groundbreaking revelation from “Blink Twice” because that’s different from what it delivers. The narrative, while skillfully crafted, doesn’t break new ground. However, despite this being her directorial debut, Zoë Kravitz successfully shapes a gripping sensory experience. The film excels in building tension, primarily through its expert use of sound and precise editing. These elements create an atmosphere that draws the audience in, keeping them on edge even if the story isn’t revolutionary.
Kravitz masterfully sustains an unsettling atmosphere throughout the film, ensuring a sense of strangeness permeates every scene. From the very beginning, there’s an underlying feeling that something is amiss, even during moments that appear to be celebratory. What should be joyful instead feels eerily off-kilter, heightening our discomfort. The film’s moody soundtrack significantly amplifies this pervasive unease, which carries a weighty, almost oppressive tone. The performances also play a crucial role in maintaining this sense of unease, with each actor contributing to the growing tension long after the credits roll.
As the film advances, the initial sense of discomfort undergoes a series of transformative reinterpretations. What begins as awkwardness due to a peculiar interaction between characters gradually deepens, evolving into a more profound sense of unease. The director amplifies this strangeness so that the audience is eventually engulfed in feelings of helplessness and guilt in response to specific actions depicted on screen. This progression forces us to grapple with the unsettling notion of whether “forgetting is a gift,” as Slater King repeatedly suggests throughout the film, prompting viewers to examine the nature of memory and forgiveness critically.
“Blink Twice” delves profoundly into its characters’ psychological and emotional traumas, placing these experiences at the heart of its story. The film challenges the audience to contemplate whether confronting these deeply buried issues is necessary or even possible. What makes this exploration even more compelling is its parallel with the world of journalism. Through subtle yet sharp commentary, the narrative reflects on how the media often omits or selectively reports stories, raising questions about truth, ethics, and the role of journalism in society. This dual narrative thread enriches the film’s thematic depth and invites viewers to consider the broader implications of what is left unsaid, both in personal lives and in public discourse.
While most of the film maintains a high standard with engaging plot twists and solid narrative development, the ending must meet expectations. The conclusion strays from the path the story had been building towards, opting for a resolution that feels disconnected and less thought-out than the rest of the film. This choice only partially derails the overall experience but leaves the viewer with a sense of disappointment. The ending, unfortunately, lacks the depth and coherence that characterised the earlier parts of the film, resulting in a final note that feels jarring and unsatisfying.
“Blink Twice” is an exceptional thriller that masterfully weaves horror and comedy elements, delivering a story that feels unsettlingly real even amidst its bizarre events. Zoë Kravitz shines in this film, bringing a unique blend of authenticity and tension to her role, intensifying the uncertainty and fear that permeates the plot and adding a refreshing touch of natural humour. This film marks a stellar start to Kravitz’s career, showcasing her ability to captivate audiences and handle complex emotions easily.
Overall: 6.5/10
Movie Reviewer
