As the story of Blink Twice plays out, it becomes obvious that first-time film director and writer Zoë Kravitz knows her craft. The film is such an assured work, it’s hard to believe that this is her first full-length film project. The crew collected for this endeavour is also exemplary and special mention should be made of the sound design by Jon Flores. His use of silence is very impactful.
Frida (Naomi Ackie) and her gal pal Jess (Alia Shawkat) are two young ladies trying to make ends meet. When they get a job hostessing at a fundraising gala they come in contact with Slater King (Channing Tatum). The tech billionaire is fighting the cancel culture after a transgression that is never fully explained and the fundraiser is part of his road back. After their paths cross, King invites them to his island for a weekend of excess.
Once on the island, things seem too good to be true but as the days add up so does the sense of dread. Kravitz and company are masterful at building tension and even the most mundane action is handled in such a way as to add to the feeling of unease. This sensation builds and builds. The resolution only happens at the film’s end. The clues were there but the truth always seemed out of reach.
The aura of the monstrous actions of the late Jeffrey Epstein is never far from the surface and this only adds to the horror on screen. Equal parts fascinating and disturbing, Blink Twice is one of those oh-so-rare works that actually surprises you at the film’s end. It will leave you unsure if you loved the movie or were repulsed by it. Hours later after viewing it, I’m still unsure.
Rob Hudson
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