Zoe Kravitz Makes Directorial Debut with ‘Blink Twice’

In her directorial debut, Zoe Kravitz presents ‘Blink Twice,’ a film that does not shy away from confronting difficult subjects. This social-horror fable intertwines elements of black comedy and social commentary, distinguishing itself by addressing sexual politics rather than racial themes, reminiscent of Jordan Peele’s work.

‘Blink Twice,’ co-written with E.T. Feigenbaum, follows the character Frida, who spends time scrolling through Instagram in a seemingly mundane bathroom setting. She works as a cater waiter alongside her roommate Jess at an extravagant gala for the disgraced tech mogul, Slater King, portrayed by Channing Tatum. Frida hopes to escape her reality and yearns for a more exciting life.

As the story unfolds, Frida and Jess transition from staff to guests at Slater’s private island, where they are enveloped in luxury and excess. Kravitz creates an absurdist comedy which explores interactions between genders among a cast of characters that includes notable actors like Simon Rex, Haley Joel Osment, and Alia Shawkat.

The visuals in ‘Blink Twice’ are striking and intentionally jarring, with oversaturated colors and sharp sound design that contribute to a sense of discomfort. Though the setting appears perfect, Kravitz infuses it with a feeling of something sinister lurking beneath the surface.

As the narrative progresses, Frida begins to notice strange occurrences, including the mysterious disappearance of Jess and the eerie absence of accountability among the guests. This leads Frida on a perilous journey to uncover the truth surrounding her friend’s fate.

While Kravitz exhibits a strong vision with her directorial choices, the film struggles to effectively maintain suspense and tension. Critics have noted that her attempts at horror are occasionally undermined by the explicit revelation of threats.

The performances in ‘Blink Twice’ receive praise, particularly from Naomi Ackie and Channing Tatum, who showcases a nuanced portrayal of menace. Despite the film’s challenges in delivering its thematic messages regarding sex, power, and revenge, it stands as a bold first effort for Kravitz.

The film is rated R for its depiction of strong violent content, sexual assault, drug use, and language, and will be released on August 23.