As a cinephile with years of film-watching under my belt, I can confidently say that “Blink Twice” is a remarkable directorial debut by Zoë Kravitz. Her unique cinematographic style and intimate approach to storytelling are reminiscent of a born filmmaker, weaving a captivating narrative that’s as mysterious as it is thought-provoking.
“The film ‘Blink Twice,’ directed by and co-written by Zoë Kravitz (known for her roles in ‘The Batman,’ ‘Kimi,’ and ‘Big Little Lies’), begins with a close-up shot of a frog, gradually becoming clear. The atmosphere is unsettling; the visuals are ominous, intriguing, enigmatic, and psychedelic. This encapsulates the movie’s essence. ‘Blink Twice’ is Kravitz’s debut feature, and it presents a post-#MeToo feminist take on the party-girl horror genre in an unconventional manner, infusing it with a strong sense of intimacy. Unlike typical films, Kravitz avoids conventional medium shots or point-of-view framing. Instead, she constructs the movie using intense close-ups, employing each frame (a drink, a look, a social media interruption) to convey a narrative, immersing us in the heart of an interaction, making us both observers and participants. Kravitz’s approach is captivating; this is the work of a natural-born filmmaker.”
The film “Blink Twice” might not fall under the horror genre in a traditional sense, but it delves into some genuinely unsettling themes. The story revolves around Frida (played by Naomie Ackie), an aspiring catering waitress with a penchant for high society, who manages to secure an invitation to the secluded island of tech mogul Slater King (Channing Tatum). Upon arrival, she finds herself amidst a group of other young women and men, many of whom are employees from King-Tech. This sets the stage for an unending luxury vacation filled with extravagant parties, endless cocktails, distributed psychedelics, gourmet meals, and opulent accommodations that would put any dream resort to shame.
Essentially, it’s as if this entire scenario is an exclusive dream, so perfect it seems unrealistic. Soon enough, the spectators share Frida’s thoughts: What’s the hidden condition? What must be paid in return? What’s truly unfolding here?
Characterized by Channing Tatum as Slater King, sporting a gentle beard and a charming dimple, this character has a history of questionable actions that have landed him in therapy. Despite his troubled past, he exudes an irresistible charm that, initially, seems carefree and unpressuring. However, over time, it becomes apparent that this carefree demeanor is unyielding, creating an unsettling atmosphere. The lavish party ambiance, accentuated by catchy tracks like James Brown’s “People Get Up and Drive Your Funky Soul,” promotes a sense of liberation, but there’s a hint of cult-like manipulation. This environment embodies corporate hedonism; women are expected to smile and flirt in a specific way to fit within the group’s expectations.
“In certain instances, ‘Blink Twice’ might evoke memories of ‘Midsommar’, a film directed by Ari Aster that portrays a sinister tale unfolding at a Swedish commune disguised as a cult. This movie exuded an ominous allure akin to a forbidden fantasy. However, unlike ‘Midsommar’, ‘Blink Twice’ derives its suspense from the sexual danger prevalent in reality. The narrative echoes real-life stories of predators such as Jeffrey Epstein and Bill Cosby, individuals who manipulated their victims during vacations or social gatherings.
Naomi Ackie, outstanding in her portrayal of Whitney Houston in “I Wanna Dance with Somebody,” leaves a lasting impression as a wide-eyed aspirant who knows how to project an air of sophistication. With a short hairstyle, she bears a striking resemblance to an R&B artist from the early 1960s, yet she exudes a compelling and modern aura. It’s evident that Frida adores Slater, going so far as to infiltrate the extravagant party at King-Tech she was hired to serve at. She feels she’s struck gold when he invites her to the island, despite the cautious signals her keen detective eyes begin to pick up.
Frida arrived with her close companion, Jess (played by Alia Shawkat), feeling secure. The movie appears to revolve around the notion that Slater, the wealthy Prince Charming character, has developed feelings for her; however, their cautious interactions with each other suggest a potential rivalry, leading us to believe this conflict will be central to the plot. Yet, Kravitz masterfully misdirects us with this trick.
In my perspective, these characters – from Christian Slater’s powerful executive to Lucas the tech-savvy guy (Levon Hawke), Tom the affectionate geek (Haley Joel Osment), Cody the New Age chef (Simon Rex) – may not come across as outright villains initially, but rather everyday men with hidden depths. It’s intriguing because as the story unfolds, they start to embody the darker aspects of ordinary individuals, much like the character played by Ben Kingsley in “Death and the Maiden.”
The film “Blink Twice” presents an eerie and seemingly science-fictional tale, albeit one that seems distressingly real. Its plot twists may not be entirely compelling from a narrative standpoint, but they are gripping due to their logical progression. The movie serves as both a story and a metaphor, with the suspenseful presentation of memory serving as a feminist allegory. Zoë Kravitz delivers a powerful performance that extends beyond this literal interpretation, making a broader statement about the things women are expected (and often expect themselves) to forget. In “Blink Twice,” life appears like a dream, but the true horror lies in waking up.
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2024-08-20 07:46