As a seasoned gamer who’s spent countless hours navigating through various digital worlds and narratives, I must say that Blink Twice was an unexpected gem. I went into the theater with expectations of a thriller dripping with violence and over-the-top creepiness, but what I got was so much more.
I went into the theater for “Blink Twice” without knowing what to anticipate. The film, Zoë Kravitz’s directorial debut, has sparked much conversation due to its initial title, “Pussy Island,” which was later changed following feedback from some women who found it offensive. It’s also notable that she met her partner, Channing Tatum, after sending him the script. The trailer for “Blink Twice” presents a lavish island backdrop with hints of violent indulgences, but the movie surpasses these expectations.
Blink Twice
Launch Date: The movie is scheduled to premiere on August 23, 2024.
In “Blink Twice,” I anticipated a thrilling experience filled with violence, gore, and unsettling scenes, and the movie certainly delivered on that front. However, what took me by surprise was the abundance of strong female presence in the film. The term “badass” is frequently misused, but Kravitz skillfully portrays how women from diverse backgrounds can unite to accomplish tasks effectively without resorting to excessive use of the term or girl power rhetoric. This unique blend of intensity and fun makes for a highly engaging watch.
In this rendition, we encounter Jess (Alia Shawkat) and Frida (Naomie Ackie), two individuals drifting along in life, a pattern that may have been suitable in their youth, but appears less captivating as they reach their thirties. Frida struggles to find her purpose in life, while Jess seems to navigate a series of unhealthy romantic entanglements; both women work part-time as caterers, managing on modest earnings as they search for direction. A chance catering assignment takes them to an event hosted by the affluent Slater (Channing Tatum), who appears well-connected in social circles.
Instead of delving into the intricate details of how Frida and Jess travel from Point A to a shared billionaire’s private island, their adventurous spirits play a crucial role in the journey. The narrative that unfolds is a whirlwind of luxury dining, leisurely pool days, unpredictable events such as drugs, chickens, spontaneous shots, thrilling adventures, complex emotions ranging from love to hate, lip gloss, late-night escapades, encounters with snakes, and an enigmatic disappearance. This 102-minute ride is filled with excitement that seems to pass by in the blink of an eye.
Blink Twice is definitely a debut for director Zoë Kravitz, but that’s not a bad thing.
In summary, Blink Twice is Zoë Kravitz’s initial directorial venture, and certain themes and visuals within the film may appear reminiscent for viewers due to their similarity to contemporary filmmaking trends. While Kravitz isn’t exactly revolutionizing cinema with her approach, some spectators might perceive the narrative progression as relatively straightforward based on the provided trailer.
Instead of describing “Blink Twice” as similar to the 2023’s “Talk To Me,” which is a straight horror film, it might be more fitting to compare it to the dark yet humorous “Promising Young Women.” The reason being that, while the movie does contain suspenseful and startling moments, it also injects a playful tone into these situations, thanks to Kravitz’s skillful direction. This results in an uneasy, yet engaging experience where we, as viewers, are kept on our toes due to the unpredictable pacing and gradual release of information that keeps us fully engaged, even when the characters themselves may not be as captivating.
The visuals are equally captivating, showcasing a vibrant and picturesque setting, which aligns with the expectations of an idyllic island inhabited by affluent, cheerful residents.
Channing Tatum and Naomie Ackie are standouts in the Blink Twice cast.
There is some solid acting work being done in Blink Twice – including a surprise turn by Geena Davis. Two of my favorite former movie leads have now worked their way into character acting and I was pretty confident they’d bring something memorable: Mr. Robot’s Christian Slater and The Boys’ Haley Joel Osment. (Or, if you’d rather, Robin Hood: Prince Of Thieves/True Romance’s Slater and The Sixth Sense‘s Osment.) They’re off doing their own thing, chewing their way through scenes kind of out of nowhere beginning in the middle of this movie.
In essence, the film belongs to Channing Tatum and Naomie Ackie, and they make the most of every joyful or challenging scene. They seem wholly immersed in their roles, enjoying the experience rather than worrying about whether viewers will appreciate their work. It might not be a typical Hollywood success for Ackie, but this role offers Tatum an opportunity to showcase his versatility – particularly considering his recent turn as Gambit. And he delivers quite well in this new role.
We’ll Be Talking About The Movie’s Twists All Year Long
In Blink Twice, events may not be as they initially appear. Zoë Kravitz’s astute attention to detail weaves symbolic elements throughout the movie that become more significant as the story unfolds. The plot is subtly crafted with unexpected twists and turns that keep viewers guessing until the very end. While some of these surprises are somewhat predictable, others revealed in the climax will leave you amazed.
To give you a sense of how much I enjoyed the film, as I left the theater, I found myself thinking, “This is my top pick for the year thus far.” However, it’s not necessarily the best movie I’ve seen this year, which is an essential clarification – but anyone who goes to the cinema this month won’t be let down. Kudos to Kravitz for her first directorial venture; I can’t wait to see what she does next. After the upheaval surrounding the cancellation of High Fidelity, it’s refreshing to see her flourishing in a way that seems both empowering and sustainable in the long run.
In short, Blink Twice ate. Go see it.
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2024-08-21 04:07