Taylor Swift Is ‘Blown Away’ By Zoë Kravitz’s Blink Twice

As a cinephile who has spent countless hours immersed in the world of film, I found myself captivated by the bold and ambitious debut of Zoë Kravitz with her directorial venture, “Blink Twice”. Kravitz’s life experiences have undoubtedly shaped her perspective, as evidenced by the striking similarities between this film and the thematic elements she has so astutely channeled in previous movies.

From one filmmaker to another, Taylor Swift is giving one of her besties, Zoë Kravitz, the highest praise for her directorial debut, Blink Twice, out this weekend. However, Swift isn’t the only member of her inner circle endorsing the project; Kravitz’s fiance, Channing Tatum, is starring in the film, making all of it a family affair. Or at least a reunion with matching t-shirts. As we eagerly await for her father’s scarf walk to walk the red carpet, the reviews are in and people are very much comparing Blink Twice to Get Out and Promising Young Woman. The movie follows a young woman (Naomi Ackie) who gets invited by a billionaire (Tatum) to his private island where everything is not as it seems. Here’s what the critics thought of Kravitz’s social thriller, including Professor Swift’s full review.

Delving into the film “Blink Twice”, previously known as “Pussy Island”, I was intrigued about Channing Tatum’s unexpected transformation. From being Hollywood’s beloved charming hunk to portraying a dangerous billionaire tech mogul who traps young women, he shifted his image from a gentle-natured man, a persona further solidified by the “Magic Mike” films that showcased his interest in female satisfaction. When it comes to actress Zoë Kravitz, I had admired her as a stylish and laid-back figure on the red carpet. After she brought a seductive yet underdeveloped charm to Catwoman in “The Batman” (2022) and played an agoraphobe in Steven Soderbergh’s thriller “Kimi” (2022), I began to ponder her potential as a storyteller capable of creating more than just an appealing but shallow character. However, when I learned that she would be directing “Blink Twice” (co-written by Kravitz and E.T. Feigenbaum), I couldn’t help but wonder: Can a woman like her, who has been surrounded by wealth and fame thanks to her famous parents Lisa Bonet and Lenny Kravitz, offer meaningful insights into the complex themes of wealth, misogyny, and power that the film’s eat-the-rich narrative promises? – Angelica Jade Bastién, Vulture

“Taylor Swift finds this movie simply incredible, describing it as gripping, cleverly humorous with a dark edge, visually captivating, and boasting outstanding performances. It’s Zoë Kravitz who is behind the scenes, coming up with the idea, writing the script, meticulously attending to every detail, and directing with a powerful and distinctive vision. Taylor can hardly contain her excitement about the amazing work she’s done here, eager for everyone to see this film and discover this exceptional talent.”

In the film “Blink Twice,” the intense emotional turmoil of Frida’s predicament transitions into predictable horror-movie chills. The movie implies that Frida’s distress stems from a mix of harsh societal realities: her gender and profession make her vulnerable, Slater’s wealth and yes-men shield him from acknowledging his flaws, and women have been taught, in a self-defense mechanism, to justify harmful behavior. However, the violence portrayed in the film’s climax seems hurried. The script, penned by Kravitz and E. T. Feigenbaum, becomes overloaded with excessive subplots featuring underdeveloped characters, such as Haley Joel Osment, Kyle MacLachlan, and Geena Davis, who deserve more substantial roles. Consequently, the film’s initial profound insights about Frida’s predicament lose depth by the story’s conclusion. (Paraphrased by me)

“Under the skillful direction of Zoë Kravitz, fiancée of Channing Tatum, the movie titled “Blink Twice” could be described as a feminist version of “Get Out“. This thrilling, eccentric horror film has elements that touch upon fairy-tale nightmares and perhaps even biblical allusions (the island is inhabited by a snake, reminiscent of Satan in the Garden of Eden, who can transform paradise into hell).”

“Blink Twice appears to express concerns about the potential threats men pose and the expected joy women must display around them, yet it only scratches the surface of these complex dynamics. One hopes for a deeper exploration from the film, but when it becomes apparent that this won’t happen, you find yourself witnessing the predictable retaliation of the Girl Boss character. This response fails to provide either a fulfilling release or insightful commentary.” – Ross McIndoe, Slant Magazine

As a cinephile, I can’t help but draw parallels between the intricate plotline of Kravitz’s gripping thriller and Jordan Peele’s groundbreaking masterpiece, “Get Out.” While “Get Out” has undeniably shaped the horror genre with its insightful social commentary, it’s made an especially deep impact on this darkly satirical, deeply unsettling exploration of supposed safe spaces that are anything but.

In the review by Jocelyn Noveck, “Blink Twice” is described as a significant leap for actor Tatum and an even greater one for Kravitz, who directed and co-wrote this stylish, ambitious film. The movie appears to aim to be a gender-themed equivalent of “Get Out,” or a thriller set in the #MeToo era with similarities to “Promising Young Woman.” Kravitz comes very close to achieving this goal. With a fantastic cast, she delivers bold and engaging filmmaking that is confident until the storyline begins to unravel due to weak plot development. The unexpected appearance of gore isn’t problematic, as it’s a horror movie. However, the abrupt departure from logic is. It’s possible that you won’t be able to look away, but unlike in Jordan Peele’s or Emerald Fennell’s films, you may not be able to make sense of what transpired on screen.

In her directorial debut, Zoë Kravitz, often referred to as a “nepo baby,” serves up an ambitious film titled Blink Twice. This movie is situated within the intersection of contemporary films that critique the wealthy elite (ranging from the acclaimed Triangle of Sadness to the less successful Saltburn) and post-Get Out #MeToo social thrillers (from the overrated Promising Young Woman to the underappreciated Fresh). The film also delves into modern horror’s favorite topic, “trauma,” and is inspired by the Jeffrey Epstein scandal. It explores themes such as misogyny, abuse, memory, materialism, gender performance, and more (spoilers ahead for those who haven’t seen it). Essentially, it’s a smorgasbord of topics, and while it may be skillfully presented, the film itself grapples with the very excess it portrays, making it a case where too much leaves us wanting more.

“Zoë Kravitz demonstrates more than just a passion for cinema in her film, Blink Twice. She’s not just a collector of films but a sponge, absorbing techniques from the movies she adores. With confidence, she’s managed to create something unique of her own. However, Blink Twice retains the feel of an ardent film enthusiast’s debut, evident in its collage-like structure—an exploration of what works and doesn’t work from films Kravitz has previously watched. The film’s main flaw is that it lacks a distinctly personal touch from Kravitz; instead, it seems to reflect her tastes rather than her own creation. Yet, it’s clear that Blink Twice was born out of ambition, challenging the contemporary mainstream norms. In contrast to the plethora of sexless sequels, romance novel adaptations, and uninspiring franchise installments, Blink Twice offers a refreshing change. Although it draws inspiration from superior films, it uses these references to create something engaging and original. At the very least, it signals an intriguing first step for a director with the talent to produce something even better.” – Brianna Zigler, AV Club

2024-08-24 05:54

Taylor Swift Is ‘Blown Away’ By Zoë Kravitz’s Blink Twice

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