About the film (courtesy of MGM):
Frida (Naomi Ackie) is a young waitress in Los Angeles who has her eye on tech entrepreneur Slater King (Channing Tatum). On a dream vacation to his private island, strange things start to happen. Frida will have to uncover the truth if she wants to make it out alive.
Blink Twice is a captivating thriller that takes you on a wild ride through the twists and turns of a complex narrative. Zoë Kravitz provides an award consideration-worthy effort for her work behind the camera as she flexes her expansive skillset of movie magic. Serving as the film’s director, along with writing and producing credits, this triple production threat does everything in her power to ensure that her debut work is in the absolute best position to wow unsuspecting moviegoers with a worthy experience. I know who’s in the pole position for my “2024 Breakthrough” award!
Blink Twice‘s greatest strength lies in its ability to keep the audience on the edge of their seats. Kudos should also go out to the marketing team for not giving away TOO MUCH in their pitch to get people interested. The plot unfolds gradually, revealing new layers of intrigue with each passing scene. Just when you think you’ve figured out what’s happening, another twist throws everything into question. This constant sense of uncertainty creates a thrilling viewing experience that will leave you guessing until the very end.
The performances in Blink Twice are also noteworthy. Channing Tatum brings a familiar, yet very different kind of energy for his portrayal of Slater King. Naomi Ackie, who most recently played the title character in Whitney Houston: I Wanna Dance with Somebody (2022), matches Tatum’s energy step for step, and sometimes even overshadows him on the big stage as Frida.
The supporting cast (Alia Shawkat, Christian Slater, Simon Rex, Haley Joel Osment, Geena Davis, Kyle MacLachlan, Adria Arjona, and others) also delivers compelling performances of characters who are struggling to come to terms (or gleefully enjoying) the extraordinary circumstances they find themselves in. The emotional depth and vulnerability displayed by the actors draw the audience into their struggles (or joys), making their experiences feel all the more real.
The film’s visual style is equally impressive. The use of color and lighting creates a dreamlike atmosphere that complements the surreal nature of the story. It feels almost Jordan Peele-esque at certain times which is absolutely a high compliment. The cinematography is also noteworthy, with carefully composed shots that enhance the film’s visual storytelling.
While Blink Twice is undoubtedly a thrilling and thought-provoking film, it’s not without its negatives. Mainly, some viewers may find the plot to be overly convoluted, with too many twists and turns to keep track of. Then there will be others may feel that the film is somewhat ambiguous when all is said and done, leaving questions unanswered. This could also be confused or misplaced feelings because they actually craved more story.
Blink Twice packs a lot into its 102 minute runtime, so one might see why more exposition may be desired. I will give those involved credit for quitting while the getting is good, as this psychological thriller kept in constant motion, not allowing the audience much time to dwell, ponder or process. It’s actually better this way. I mean after all, magicians don’t just stand stationary waiting for a few minutes to give people time to see the strings, mirrors or whatever other sleight of hand is at play.
Overall, Blink Twice is a well-crafted thriller that is sure to satisfy fans of the genre. Its complex plot, compelling performances, and impressive visual style make it a film that gnaw at the back of your brain for a while. If you’re looking for a mind-bending thriller that will keep you guessing, Blink Twice is definitely worth checking out when it opens in theaters starting Friday, August 23.
