Running Time: 102 minutes
This film from Amazon MGM Studios opens at cinemas on August 23rd.
This reviewer has been going to movies for decades. If there’s one thing that can be learned from dozens upon dozens of genre films, it’s that if someone asks you to go with them to a remote or secluded location… just refuse the offer. In the movies, it never results in an unexpectedly wonderful experience. Just ask the characters in Blink Twice, a thriller from actor-turned-director Zoe Kravitz.
The story follows Frida (Naomi Ackie), a waitress working at a party for a tech billionaire named Slater (Channing Tatum). Despite the famous figure having recently gone through a public scandal, Frida seems to still have a crush on him. When she and co-worker Jess (Alia Shawkat) sneak into the celebration as guests, they encounter him. Slater tells them about an island he owns and uses as a personal retreat, helping him with his therapy that is led by Rich (Klye MacLachlan). Frida and Jess are invited to the lavish but isolated resort along with Slater’s friends (Christian Slater, Simon Rex, Haley Joel Osment, Levon Hawke). The two ladies try to befriend other female guests like Sarah (Adria Arjona) and note the odd behavior of staff. This includes Slater’s personal assistant Stacy (Geena Davis). It isn’t long before the trip takes a horrific turn.
This effort does benefit from a stellar cast. Ackie is a very likable protagonist and, early on, the film makes it easy to see how a star-struck individual could end up finding themselves in over their head with a group of strangers. One does get a sense of being a fish-out-of-water as she arrives in a new and strange place and attempts to fit in with those around her. The other stars are also effective in their roles, including Tatum as the outwardly friendly and considerate celebrity who may be masking odious qualities.
Still, there are a few story issues. Truth be told, from the clothing supplied to the guests, to the behavior of Slater and his pals, it doesn’t take long for viewers to conclude exactly what is occurring during these extended parties/vacations. As a result, the failure of the leads to see the red flags and figure it all out is notable. And after Frida and the others come to understand the desperate scenario, there are odd tonal shifts. While the central reveal should be traumatic for the protagonists, there are some unusual comments from the lead and others. Yes, the characters have to present a false front in the company of Slater, but they also make seemingly out-of-place cracks among themselves. It may be to help themselves deal with the situation, but the reactions still feel jarring.
Even if some story elements feel somewhat on-the-nose and bluntly delivered, the themes are intriguing and the script does, at times, show just how nasty and sociopathic people in positions of power can be. It doesn’t go deep enough into the psychology of these awful figures (just a quick line or two is delivered to suggest where some of the abhorrent behavior originated), but at least the movie is trying to present a picture of how it might occur, and those within the faction who enable it.
Additionally, the climax features some entertaining and messy retribution. There are a few tense and wince-inducing moments as the main characters confront each other. And while the major reveal is anything but a surprise, a few minor twists, including Frida’s history, as well as the fate of a major character in the denouement, are effectively delivered.
Blink Twice works well enough as a thriller/revenge picture. It does try to add a twist or two to a very worn formula and the performers deliver the material with verve, but it’s hard to completely overcome the story’s familiar plotting and a few other creaky elements. Those accepting this invite can expect a good chiller, but not an exceptional one.