Zoe Kravitz’s directorial debut Blink Twice, formerly known as Pussy Island, starts off as a meet-cute Cinderella tale that gradually unravels into a twisty Get Out-esque satirical thriller. At the center is a worn-out Frida (Naomi Ackie), who lands a waitressing gig at a fundraiser. There, she’s invited by a charismatic tech billionaire, Slater King (Channing Tatum), to his private island, which eventually leads up to that one inevitable line, “There’s something wrong with this place.” And if there’s one thing we’ve learned from movies about going to private islands with beautiful, cultish, carefree, wealthy people, it’s… don’t.
The film is a visual feast, powered by Kravitz’s solid vision and a seriously killer soundtrack. As a first-time director, Kravitz seems to have already stamped her own distinct flair on every frame, in no small part due to cinematographer, Adam Newport-Berra. The film doesn’t waste a single inch of the screen, especially in those eerie, uncomfortable extreme close-ups that etch every detail of Ackie’s and Tatum’s faces into your memory.
There’s nothing static about the cinematography; everything feels choreographed and unnatural, but in the best way possible. The camera constantly lingers on the characters as they dance, sway, or run in panic; it’s so invasive that it’s uneasy. Even when what you’re seeing is meant to be fun, there’s always the feeling of something unsettling lurking beneath it all.
Blink Twice is a wild ride. Kravitz’s talent shines brightest in the trippy sequences that often feel like well-crafted music videos. These under-the-influence scenes are undoubtedly the film’s heartbeat, making time slip away just as it does for the characters.
In the first half, we’re essentially pulled in to indulge in their full-white pristine outfits, big blunts, endless champagne with raspberries, and chaotic parties. The flashy editing, the music, the way everyone’s high out of their minds – it’s probably the most euphoric you’ll ever feel in the cinema. But just when the hip-hip-hooray moments feels like they’re teetering on too much, Kravitz hits the gas, and we’re instantly thrown into snappy, horrifying, blood-soaked territory.
Sure, the film takes its time to get there, but once it does, it doesn’t hold back. Kravitz deftly navigates the shifts in tone across the acts while keeping her unique style front and center. What’s interesting is, as the intensity ramps up in the second act – and believe me, it gets wild — the comedy starts to creep in too. Luckily, most of the humor lands well.
Think of this part as the second act of Greta Gerwig’s Barbie on a heavy dose of psychedelics. Adria Arjona proceeds to steal the show with impeccable comedic timing and fierce badassery, contributing to some of the film’s most memorable and amusing scenes. While the ending might be slightly predictable, it still effectively ties up most loose ends, and fades to black with a rather satisfying, well-earned conclusion.
Blink Twice is essentially Kravitz’s sharp commentary on power abuse, gender imbalance, and trauma culture, all encased in a glossy package. What’s remarkable about her approach is the subtlety with which she makes her stance. Rather than hitting us over the head with dialogue, she picks a side in the debate and lets the brutality speak for itself — whichever side gets the harshest treatment onscreen isn’t the one she’s backing. She captures the quiet horror in something as simple as being asked, “Are you having a good time?” And yet, none of it feels forced. There are no long-winded monologues, no overwrought expositions, and thankfully, no unnecessary torture porn. We’re always shown just enough to let us understand what’s going on, which in this movie’s case, is used as a really respectful way in depicting sexual violence.
Kravitz’s debut is undeniably intriguing. While the film leans heavily into style, it doesn’t prioritize that style over substance (I’m looking at you Saltburn!). Blink Twice actually manages to cut through its glam and glitter and get its message across. It’s sincerely a bold and impressive effort, perfect for a thrilling, delicious rewatch on a girl’s night.
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