See “Blink Twice,” starring Channing Tatum and Naomi Ackie, in theaters.
“Are you having a good time?”
*Spoilers ahead*
Being asked on a free trip with your best friend to a billionaire’s beautiful, phone-free island where problems are nonexistent, and champagne is unlimited, sounds like a dream to most, even if something feels a little bit… off. The psychological thriller “Blink Twice,” Zoe Kravitz’s directorial debut, warns viewers: if something seems too good to be true, it probably is.
“Blink Twice” opens with Frida (Naomi Ackie), a talented nail artist by day and cocktail waitress by night, doom-scrolling on Instagram, when she comes across tech billionaire Slater King (Channing Tatum).
Slater announces he has taken a step back from his company, also leaving his wild behavior behind, following an all-too-familiar social media apology for his actions at an undisclosed event.
Frida and her best friend Jess (Alia Shawkat) are excited to learn they are waitressing at one of Slater’s upscale fundraising events, where the two catch Slater’s eye.
Slater introduces Frida and Jess to all of his most important friends, and they spend the night chatting away. As the night draws to a close, Slater invites the girls to come with him and his friends on a private jet to his glorious island.
Upon landing, Stacy (Geena Davis), Slater’s assistant, collects everyone’s phones. Jess is hesitant, but Slater reassures her she doesn’t have to do anything she doesn’t want to. Ultimately, Jess feels comfortable enough to comply.
As Frida and Jess are welcomed to the island, they are shown where they will stay. The unit is fully equipped with a white wardrobe, beauty products and perfume.
Frida and Slater get to know each other, discussing their childhood trauma. Slater can’t remember these details while Frida can’t seem to forget. Slater reiterates multiple times throughout the film that “forgetting is a gift.”
As the film progresses, Frida and Jess become closer with the other girls, Camilla (Liz Caribel), Heather (Trew Mullen) and Sarah (Adria Arjona). Everyone is having such a wonderful time they forget what day it is.
Later on, Jess is bitten by a venomous snake and becomes overwhelmingly persistent on wanting to go home: “Something is wrong.”
When Jess doesn’t show up for brunch, Frida asks the group if they’ve seen her. No one remembers who Jess is.
From waking up with dirt under fingernails to unexplainable bruises, it is clear the island isn’t what it seems to be.
Frida begins having short flashbacks, showing events she doesn’t remember. Sarah visits Frida and reveals she has a bad feeling about the island.
In a series of unfolding events, Frida and Sarah realize the perfume the girls have been provided has made them forget. Another flashback shows the men realizing Jess’s snake bite counteracted the effects of the perfume, which causes them to kill her. Frida remembers she drank snake venom, which counteracted the effects of the perfume, causing her flashbacks.
In another flashback, Frida and Sarah remember each night, the men tie the women up and violently violate them.
Frida and Sarah get Camilla and Heather to drink the snake venom and the effects kick in while at dinner that night. The girls remember what has been done to them and attempt to kill the men who have violated them, while the audience sees the full scene of what they had forgotten.
In the end, Slater hits his ever-present vape, which has been filled with snake venom. He stumbles, knocking over a candle and sending the house up in flames. Sarah and Frida survive, and Frida drags Slater out of the fire. In Sarah’s final scene, she said, “I hope you know what you’re doing.”
In the last scene, Slater appears at a fundraising event with Frida, who has a ring on her finger. She gives him the chemical used in the perfume to make him forget as she is announced as the CEO of his company.
In this film, “Don’t Worry Darling” meets “Get Out.” The small foreboding scenes are ultimately suppressed because of the bright, lively cinematography. The audience is meant to feel like the characters, as if there is no reason to be worried.
“Blink Twice” is a horrifying allegory for domestic violence and what keeps a victim from coming forward.
Slater’s initial charm and kindness drew Frida in, encouraging her to trust him. Slater reiterating that Frida can leave whenever she wants contributed to the illusion of free choice, and his redirection of her concerns to the beauty of the island diminished every negative feeling Frida felt, making her ignore the warning signs.
Stacy, who was angry with Frida for making her remember, represents another side of victimhood. Some survivors are more comfortable simply forgetting, while others find power in remembering.
Frida spends time during the second act attempting to collect evidence because she knows no one will believe her word against a billionaire’s reputation. This is an unfortunate situation for many dealing with domestic violence.
The lack of plot holes was refreshing in an action-packed film like this. Oftentimes, smaller plot points get lost within the story, but each and every decision felt intentional and impactful in “Blink Twice.”
Visually, the free-flowing drinks, the pool and the stress-free environment are attractive to the viewers the same way they are to the characters. The imposition of the haunting flashbacks, typically shot in the dark, create a stark contrast.
Ackie’s standout performance as Frida sold this film. Her incredible ability to act with her eyes and facial expressions lets the audience feel her emotions, from excitement to fear. The slight glances between Ackie and Arjona in intense scenes are anything but subtle, leaving viewers in anticipation of what they will do to save themselves.
Additionally, Tatum’s acting range is impressive, capitalizing on his charm to wow the audience while he delivers a subtle evil undertone.
This film, a combination of a magical dream and a worst nightmare, is perfectly delivered on screen by the fantastic actors, mesmerizing cinematography and eerie score.
