FILM REVIEW
BLINK TWICE
Rated R
102 Minutes
Released August 23rd
Blink Twice, Zoe Kravitz’s first film as a director has a lot of ingredients of a great movie, but the pot is stirred a bit erratically and inconsistently, causing the cinematic soup to separate a bit. Adam Newport-Berra’s cinematography is excellent, and the production design of Roberto Bonelli gives the environment a sharp, saturated tone throughout, providing a vivid backdrop for this journey into madness. The film has elements reminiscent of a 1960’s French art film. Many of the scenes and plot developments promise shock value, but they don’t quite get there because the reveal is couched at the end. My feeling is that a few more hints to the audience earlier in the film would have provided more suspense. Blink Twice is almost an eerie and existential dive into reality versus dream state – almost.
At the age of 35, Kravits shows great promise as a director. She has been acting since 2007, with many recognizable roles on her resume, including “Toast the Knowing” in Mad Max: Fury Road (2015) and as “Bonnie Carlson” on TV’s Big Little Lies and as “Pearl” on Californication. She starred in and executive produced High Fidelity on Hulu. She grew up around the entertainment world with her mom, Lisa Bonet, and then, in her teens, moved in with Dad, Lenny Kravitz. Later, Zoe became the global face and brand ambassador for YSL Beauty.
Zoe is known for her edgy fashion choices, and this movie showcases her awareness of design and emotional command of color. The cast reported she had such anxiety about her first attempt at directing a major film that she was uncomfortable saying the usual “Action!” So she started the camera rolling with a simple “Let’s go!” instead. Naomi Ackie, who stars as “Frida,” noted that there were added difficulties due to filming in Mexico in the middle of summer, not only the heat but also scorpions, tarantulas, and fire ants. Ackie said that all kinds of things were going wrong, which is normal for a film shoot, but “there’s a lot that you do as a director, and there’s a lot that you have to have a handle on, and she (Kravitz) handled it very well.” Ackie said that Kravitz inspired her.
Ackie as “Frida” shows that she’s a rising star. Her character evolves from a star-struck cater-waiter to a strong-willed and fierce woman who has to find the courage to handle a situation way beyond her control. Adria Arjona almost steals the show as a survivor-style reality show veteran who is now is a situation exponentially more dangerous than her TV show. Levon Hawke, son of Uma Thurman and Ethan Hawke, adeptly plays what used to always be a female role in classic films, the “dumb blonde.” Geena Davis is hilariously awkward as the brain-addled “Stacy.” Kyle MacLachlan brings his ever-present “how did I get here and what am I supposed to do” persona to “Rich.” Maria Elena Olivares is priceless as the “Badass Maid.” Channing Tatum does a superb job transforming himself into a truly screwed-up human as “Slater,” a poster boy for over-the-top male domination. Tatum and Kravits first met while working on pre-production on Blink Twice, and they were engaged in October 2023 after two years of secret dating.
Analysis aside, Blink Twice is best watched for the spectacle of the sets, the excellent acting, and the experience the players endure. In my opinion, this movie would have made an awesome black comedy, especially since Tatum is really good at that genre. I have no doubt that as she continues to direct films, Kravitz will master the art of stirring the pot to make a smooth, delicious, and enticing cinematic soup.
Kathryn Whitney Boole has spent most of her life in the entertainment industry, which has been the backdrop for remarkable adventures with extraordinary people. She is a Talent Manager with Studio Talent Group in Santa Monica. kboole@gmail.com
