Zoe Kravitz marks ‘Blink Twice’ as her directorial debut, along with co-scripting this very effective thriller, starring real-life beau Channing Tatum in a taut thriller that holds your attention throughout. A fantastic ensemble also helps make this creepy and timely story come alive onscreen and isn’t afraid to tackle some big topics along the way.
Channing Tatum stars as a mysterious and reclusive tech billionaire named Slater, who has withdrawn from public life after an unnamed incident has forced him to re-evaluate his life. He has publicly apologised for his transgressions and has handed over the CEO reigns of his hugely lucrative business ventures to a friend. He now only makes rare public appearances at charity and fundraising events, electing to spend most of his time living in his own private island compound overseas.
Frida (Naomi Ackie) and her flatmate and best friend Jess (Alia Shawkat) are waitressing at an event that Slater appears at. Magnetically drawn in by his charm, Frida manages to strike up a conversation with Slater and the two hit it off instantly. After partying all night with his entourage of friends, Slater asks Frida and Jess if they’d like to come to visit his island. They jump at the chance, but after a few days of partying in the tropical paradise of Slater’s compound, Frida starts to question a few mysterious things that are happening.
Along with E.T. Feigenbaum, Zoë Kravitz has co-scripted a really gripping and compulsive thriller that always has you on the edge of your seat. Her directorial debut is also accomplished, with ‘Blink Twice’ looking gorgeous throughout – delivering a fever-dream of imagery where you’re not quite sure what’s real and what’s not. It lends itself perfectly to the story, and really delivers when the narrative gets much more tension-filled and serious.
It’s great to see Channing Tatum back in the big leagues. His cameo as fan-favourite Gambit in Marvel’s billion-dollar blockbuster ‘Deadpool & Wolverine’ marked a very welcome return to the mainstream for the versatile actor. And that versatility is perfectly displayed as Slater in ‘Blink Twice’, a wonderfully monstrous role that shows us a seldom-seen side of Tatum onscreen. He is magnetic and completely captivates here.
Brit Naomi Ackie, the Camden-born actress who has starred in the likes of ‘Star Wars: Episode IX’, ‘Lady Macbeth’ and ‘I Wanna Dance with Somebody’ really announces herself to Hollywood with this powerful and layered lead performance that holds you attention throughout. Alongside ‘Arrested Development’ favourite Alia Shawkat, the two make for a formidable duo onscreen.
The ensemble is excellent here, with Christian Slater stealing his scenes as the polaroid snapping Vic. Adria Arjona is sensational as Sarah. The ‘Andor’ and ‘Hit Man’ star has had a meteoric rise to prominence recently, and she is brilliant here delivering a great balance of distress and genuine humour. Elsewhere, there are memorable turns from Geena Davis, Haley Joel Osment, Simon Rex, Kyle MacLachlan, Trew Mullen, Liz Caribel and Levon Hawke.
Whilst a few of the finale moments will have you scratching your head, even allowing for the usual, generous leeway given to all Hollywood horrors/thrillers of a similar ilk, ‘Blink Twice’ is still a very entertaining watch. Featuring a truly brilliant, chilling turn from Channing Tatum and with an ensemble that perfectly hit the black-comedy notes that the script very cleverly lays down, ‘Blink Twice’ guarantees one of the best summer movie-going experiences you’ll have this summer.
Cast: Channing Tatum, Naomi Ackie, Alia Shawkat, Christian Slater, Adria Arjona, Geena Davis, Haley Joel Osment, Simon Rex, Kyle MacLachlan, Trew Mullen, Liz Caribel, Levon Hawke Director: Zoë Kravitz Writer: Zoë Kravitz, E.T. Feigenbaum Certificate: 15 Duration: 103 mins Released by: Warner Bros Release date: 23rd August 2024
