Warning: This review contains spoilers. Consider watching the movie first.
Zoe Kravitz’s directorial debut, ‘Blink Twice,’ starring Naomi Ackie and Channing Tatum, is a psychological thriller that dives into power, trauma, and revenge. It’s visually stunning and thematically daring, but does it deliver? Let’s break it down.
Trigger Warning Done Right
From the first frame, Blink Twice makes it crystal clear: this isn’t going to be an easy watch. The trigger warning at the start isn’t just a formality. It’s an honest, necessary heads-up for viewers. And it’s not an exaggeration. The film explores themes of consent, manipulation, and trauma in a way that feels deliberately unsettling. For some, it might be too much to stomach. At least the film is upfront about it, unlike many thrillers that lean into shock value without any forewarning.
A Rushed Romance with Hidden Depth
One of the strange aspects of the film is how quickly Frida, played by Naomi Ackie, and Slater, played by Channing Tatum, connect. It’s almost laughable at first. Just a glance at each other and suddenly there is this intense, almost magnetic pull. No buildup, no real chemistry. Just an immediate and unexplained attraction. It feels forced and unnatural.
As the film unravels, the reasoning behind this so-called connection becomes clear. They have been here before. Frida just doesn’t remember. In hindsight, that awkwardness makes sense. It is an eerie bit of foreshadowing. Still, from a storytelling perspective, the execution could have been smoother. Instead of making the audience feel intrigued, it mostly comes across as rushed and clunky.
Zoe Kravitz’s Stylish Direction
For a directorial debut, Zoe Kravitz proves she has a strong eye for visuals and atmosphere. The film is beautifully shot, drenched in sleek, seductive lighting that contrasts sharply with the horrors lurking beneath the surface. The cinematography gives off a Succession meets The White Lotus feel, making luxury look both intoxicating and deeply sinister.
Kravitz also isn’t afraid to go dark. Really dark. She doesn’t sugarcoat the subject matter, and that takes guts. Love it or hate it, Blink Twice is bold.
Standout Performances Keep It Together
Naomi Ackie delivers a gripping performance as Frida, carrying the weight of the film on her shoulders. She balances vulnerability with determination, making it easy to root for her even when the story falters. Channing Tatum, on the other hand, is oddly charming as Slater, which makes him all the more disturbing. He plays a predator, but he doesn’t overdo it. His quiet control is what makes him so unsettling. The supporting cast is solid, but Ackie and Tatum keep the film engaging. Without them, it could have easily fallen apart.
A Jarring Tonal Shift
One of the biggest criticisms of the film is its drastic shift in tone. The first half is eerie, unsettling, and full of dread. Then suddenly, the final act feels weirdly playful. The climax, which should be harrowing, leans into a gotcha style revenge thriller that almost turns into a dark comedy. The fight scenes and over-the-top one-liners make for a jarring switch. It’s as if the film can’t decide whether it wants to be a psychological thriller or a pulpy revenge flick. Some might find this contrast exciting, but for many, it just makes the film feel disjointed.
A Controversial Ending
This is where Blink Twice really stumbles. After everything Frida goes through, after all the horror and pain, her decision in the final moments is baffling. She doesn’t just escape. She takes over. She drugs Slater, keeps him under her control, and becomes the head of his empire. It’s a revenge fantasy taken to the extreme, but at what cost?
It raises unsettling questions, but not in a thought-provoking way. Instead of addressing the deeper issues at play, such as power, accountability, and systemic abuse, the film reduces it all to a simple you did it, now I’ll do it too resolution. Is Frida just after money and control? Does she actually believe this is justice? If she is using the same methods as her abusers, does that make her any better?
The film doesn’t fully engage with these questions. It just throws them out there and drops the mic. For a movie that starts with such a serious, traumatic premise, the ending feels almost hollow. It’s as if the film is more interested in the shock factor than in unpacking its own themes. Some might see it as a powerful feminist statement. Others might see it as a cheap GirlBoss moment that oversimplifies an incredibly complex issue.
Missed Opportunities
There are small details in Blink Twice that could have been expanded to add more depth. The Polaroid photography, for instance. It’s an eerie, analog contrast to the hyper-modern, tech-obsessed world Slater inhabits. Yet the film never really explores it beyond being a plot device. Who is taking these photos? What does it say about memory, evidence, and power? It’s the kind of metaphor that’s sitting right there, waiting to be unpacked, but the film just leaves it on the table.
Final Verdict: Does ‘Blink Twice’ Deliver?
Blink Twice is the definition of an ambitious, divisive film. It has striking visuals, a chilling premise, and strong performances. But it’s also messy. The tonal shifts, the rushed romance, and the shallow ending all keep it from being truly great. That said, Zoe Kravitz proves she is a director to watch. She has style, guts, and a willingness to tackle tough subjects head-on. Even if this film doesn’t quite stick the landing, it sparks conversation, which in itself is worth something.
Score: 6.5/10
Bold but uneven, Blink Twice is a film that will get people talking. Whether you love it or hate it, you won’t forget it.
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