Review
The Film Blink Twice directed by Zoë Kravitz, is a stylish, ambitious thriller that grapples with themes of female agency and societal pressures. The film stars Channing Tatum as Slater King, a charming yet morally dubious tech mogul who, at the start, offers a public apology for an unspecified transgression—a scene reflective of the modern-day ritual of celebrity contrition. The narrative follows Frida, a cocktail waitress and aspiring nail artist, who, along with her roommate Jess, is swept into Slater’s world when they join him at an exclusive island retreat. Initially, the island seems like a paradise, but it quickly becomes clear that something is terribly wrong.
Kravitz uses the setting to explore how women are often expected to keep up appearances, even when their instincts tell them something is off. As strange events begin to unfold—phones are confiscated, days blur together, and unsettling details like dirt under Frida’s nails and a mysterious red stain on her dress emerge—the tension mounts. The film successfully builds suspense, keeping the audience engaged with its eerie atmosphere and sharp performances, especially from Tatum, who excels in his role.
However, as the plot advances, the film’s logic starts to fray, leading to a chaotic and confusing conclusion. The horror elements, while effective, seem to overwhelm the narrative, making the story harder to follow. Despite these issues, “Blink Twice” remains a compelling watch, showcasing Kravitz’s potential as a filmmaker. While it doesn’t quite stick the landing, the film offers a thought-provoking take on how women navigate power dynamics and societal expectations. Kravitz’s bold attempt leaves audiences intrigued, even if the film ultimately falls short of its lofty goals.
Box Office
This weekend’s box office is expected to be slow, with two new releases, Zoe Kravitz’s thriller “Blink Twice” and the reboot of “The Crow” starring Bill Skarsgård, set for modest openings. “Blink Twice” is earning between $7 million and $9 million from 3,000 locations, and “The Crow” is anticipated to bring in around $6 million to $8 million from 2,500 theaters. Both films are targeting mid-range debuts, reflecting a relatively sluggish box office performance overall.
Rating
On Rotten Tomatoes, 79% of 66 critics gave “Blink Twice” a positive review, with an average rating of 7.2/10. On Metacritic, the film has a score of 74 out of 100, based on 16 critic reviews, indicating generally favorable feedback.
Release date
The film “Blink Twice” had its premiere at the DGA Theater in Los Angeles on August 8, 2024. Its international release, handled by Warner Bros. Pictures, will begin on August 21, 2024, while in the United States, it is set to be released by Amazon MGM Studios on August 23, 2024.
Directors: Zoe Kravitz
Cast: Naomi Ackie, Channing Tatum, Christian Slater,Simon Rex, Adira Arjona, Kyle MacLachlan, Haley Joel Osment, Geena Davis
Producers: Bruce Cohen, Tiffany Persons, Garret Levitz, Zoe Kravitz
Writers: Zoe Kravitz
Genre: Thriller/Crime
Duration: 1h 42min
Original Language: Only English
OTT Release date: Na
OTT Platform: Na
