Zoë Kravitz’s debut feature as a director, Blink Twice, is visually stylish and intriguing in concept, but ultimately, it doesn’t quite live up to its potential. Marketed as a psychological thriller with timely social commentary, the film sets the stage for a gripping narrative yet falls short in its execution. There are certainly high moments that showcase Kravitz’s creative flair. Still, with an underwhelming story and uneven pacing, Blink Twice feels like a missed opportunity that leaves viewers longing for the movie they imagined while watching its trailer.
Blink Twice: A Stylish Setup
The plot revolves around Frida (Naomi Ackie), an ambitious waitress who, alongside her friend Jess (Alia Shawkat), finds herself whisked away to tech mogul Slater King’s (Channing Tatum) luxurious private island. What begins as a picturesque escape with opulent settings, endless champagne, and indulgent luxuries slowly unravels into something more sinister.
From a technical perspective, Blink Twice impresses. Kravitz and cinematographer Adam Newport-Berra create an atmosphere that feels indulgent yet unnerving. The island’s sunny, glamorous facade hides darker truths, with ominous interiors and eerie, tension-filled moments that shift the mood as the thriller progresses. Visually, the film boasts sharp editing and striking production design, with everything from the red gift bags to the shadowy, snake-filled jungle hinting at deeper dangers lurking beneath the surface.
However, stunning visuals can only take a film so far, and unfortunately, the narrative is where Blink Twice struggles to bring its themes to fruition.
An Overloaded Narrative
Kravitz and co-writer E.T. Feigenbaum attempt to tackle an array of heavy topics, including power dynamics, privilege, trauma, and complicity. However, the film’s script scratches the surface of these ideas without exploring them in depth. Instead of delivering sharp, thought-provoking commentary, Blink Twice resorts to sprinkling in buzzwords and “hot topics” without meaningful engagement.
The story’s structure feels disjointed, with repetitive scenes and tension that builds too slowly in some places and feels rushed in others. At its best, the film offers unexpected bursts of dark satire and tense exchanges, particularly in scenes involving Slater’s chilling charm. Yet as it progresses, the pacing becomes uneven, and the narrative loses focus. By the time the film shifts into its chaotic, revenge-fueled third act, the story’s emotional weight has diminished, leaving the conclusion feeling hollow and undeserved.
To put it simply, Blink Twice bites off more than it can chew, resulting in a muddled narrative that undermines its otherwise compelling premise.
Strong Performances Save the Day
Despite the film’s narrative shortcomings, the cast delivers standout performances. Naomi Ackie shines as Frida, capturing the character’s emotional arc with precision. Her transformation from a starry-eyed dreamer to someone grappling with the horrors of her reality is deeply compelling. Channing Tatum also surprises in his role as Slater King. His blend of charm and menace makes him a captivating villain—one who feels all too believable in today’s world.
Alia Shawkat adds humor and heart as Jess, while Adria Arjona and Geena Davis bring layers to their supporting roles as women entangled in Slater’s web of control and manipulation. Their collective performances provide much-needed emotional grounding to a film that otherwise struggles to connect on a deeper level.
The Trailer Promised More
One significant disappointment is how Blink Twice fails to deliver on the intrigue promised by its marketing campaign. The trailers painted a picture of a nail-biting thriller with sharp social commentary and unexpected twists, but ultimately, the film plays its hand too early. Foreshadowing is heavy-handed, and the big reveals fall flat, leaving viewers underwhelmed by moments that should have packed a punch.
It’s worth noting that Kravitz’s stylistic choices keep the movie engaging enough to watch, but the narrative inconsistencies overshadow even the film’s most innovative moments.
Blink Twice: The Verdict
Blink Twice is a mildly entertaining psychological thriller that benefits from strong performances and a stylish aesthetic but falters under the weight of an unfocused script. It’s clear that Kravitz has an eye for detail and is unafraid to explore darker themes, but her debut feels more like a promising start than a fully realized masterpiece. With stronger writing and tighter pacing, her next project could deliver the impact that Blink Twice only hints at.
For fans of glossy, mood-driven thrillers, the film may still offer some enjoyment, especially for those drawn to its talented cast and lush visuals. However, if you’re expecting razor-sharp social commentary or a twisty, original plot, you might find yourself unsatisfied after streaming it.