The other night I finally managed to get some time to check out Blink Twice at Cineworld, a movie that has become known for the “trigger warning” message before the film starts due to its content and believe me it was well-needed as it will be an issue for some people when watching if they weren’t warned.
The story follows Frida, portrayed brilliantly by Naomi Ackie, as she enters the world of partying at an island retreat with Slater King (Channing Tatum), not everything is as it seems after the first night at the getaway with strange occurrences such as items disappearing or someone else having them and even memory loss. The first red flag that something may not be right is when Frida asks Rich (Kyle MacLachlan) to “Blink Twice” if she is in danger and he does!
As Frida (Ackie) and her friend Jess (Alia Shawkat) enjoy the retreat at first they soon feel uneasy and something just isn’t right about their host and his fellow guests who have invited their female guests along to party. It soon becomes apparent why Blink Twice has the trigger warning at the beginning of the film as things certainly take a turn for the worse and the horrific truth about King, Vic (Christian Slater), Cody (Simon Rex) and Tom (Haley Joel Osment) comes to light you see it coming but with the truth about what is happening appears on the cinema screen it is an uneasy thing to watch, there will be some out there that will either look away or get up and leave their seats.
Zoe Kravitz‘s directorial debut is a powerful one that I wasn’t too sure about when I first started watching the film, the introduction of the characters in the first part of the film works well and it does take you down a different path at first with what seems like people just wanting a good time with the eligible bachelor, but with the twists and turns that come we are given moments of introspection before being plunged into some suspenseful and shocking moments on the big screen.
Blink Twice is a gripping psychological thriller that captures the viewer’s attention and holds you through the 1h 42m runtime without faltering. Kravitz demonstrates a keen eye for detail and a natural talent for building tension, crafting a film that is both visually stunning and emotionally resonant.
What sets Blink Twice apart from other thrillers is its ability to subvert genre expectations. Kravitz isn’t afraid to take risks, and while some of these choices might feel unconventional, they ultimately pay off, adding layers of depth to the narrative. The cinematography is another standout aspect, with the use of light and shadow playing a crucial role in creating the film’s atmosphere.
The supporting cast delivers strong performances, particularly in the film’s more intense scenes. Despite the subject matter, there are a couple of scenes that did give me a giggle which may not have been the right thing to do, but when a character gets a visit from karma and still gives off a great performance you can’t help but laugh at what has happened to them (look out for a seen with Slater in the later part of the film on a seat with a whiskey in his hand).
The end of the film was a nice twist and it might have been predictable but it works so well leaving you with a feeling that sometimes things do pay off in the end.
Overall, Blink Twice is an impressive debut that showcases Zoe Kravitz’s potential as a director. It’s a film that will linger in your mind long after it ends, leaving you eager to see what Kravitz will do next. For fans of psychological thrillers, Blink Twice is a must-watch.