The 2024 MGM offering of Blink Twice proves once and for all that drugs, islands and murder are bad for you. In fact they can be deadly. Unless you manage to survive that is.
Blink Twice seems like it could have been influenced by the 2009 Taiwanese film Jue ming pai dui, AKA; Invitation Only. Insofar as the plot devices are similar. Protagonists are given access to an “exclusive” party where they do not belong.
It is more likely, however, that the film is heavily influenced by the recent Jeffrey Epstein scandal.
Or a combination of both.
The story
Frida meets billionaire Slater King at his big bash, she works catering at the party. At what seems to be infatuation at first sight, King invites her and a friend to a bigger, private, bash at his own personal island.
Things get weird.
the cast
Naomi Ackie is Frida
Channing Tatum is Slater
Alia Shawkat is Jess
Christian Slater is Vic
Haley Joel Osment is Tom
Cameos
Kyle MacLachlan is Rich
Zoë Kravitz as Swanky Stewardess
and
Lenny Kravitz (uncredited) as man as bar
Behind the scenes
Writer/director Zoë Kravitz, who shares writing credit with E.T. Feigenbaum, has given us quite the romp with Blink Twice. Whether the Taiwan horror film contributed to the essence of this psychological thriller/horror movie or not; this one hits hard.
Kravitz and Tatum are listed as producers and along with Bruce Cohen, Garret Levitz, and Tiffany Persons they have given a sort of modern cautionary tale. It may well look like the celluloid equivalent of a Polaroid snap and peel photograph but it bedazzles the eye of the viewer while doing so.
This is all down to a brilliant “behind the camera” team that rock.
The Team
Adam Newport-Berra as Director of Photography makes each frame practically leap out at the audience. A literal feast for eyes.
Kathryn J. Schubert as Editor puts this one together with an eye for detail and the ability to mesh all the bits and pieces together. There is no stumbling saves here.
Roberto Bonelli and Derek A. Hecker Diaz as Production Designer and Art Director respectively, give everything that vital snap.
Luis Felipe Moreno as Special Effects Makeup Designer knocks this one out of the park; aided by his brilliant team of makeup artists.
It all works
As a cautionary tale Blink Twice works brilliantly. It hits a number of things we should not do: Stay away from drugs. Be careful of who you trust. Most importantly, however, is stay away from islands owned by billionaires. Not forgetting the old: Do not give up your smartphone.
Everything works. From the oddly prophetic start right down to the “O. Henry” ending. It entertains on a high level.
Performances are top notch here. Ackie is spot on as this “Alice in Wonderland” who rushes enthusiastically into the world of Slater. Tatum is great as the reclusive billionaire. *Tatum continues to just get better and better as an actor. He is becoming a real favourite.*
Shawkat as Jess, “Where’s my lighter?” is a mix of frustration, cuteness and annoyance. In other words, pretty darn impressive.
In terms of the “not quite main” cast?
Christian Slater, a personal favorite, always delivers. As does Simon Rex and Haley Joel Osment in his beefed up cameo roles.
Cameo shout outs
Geena Davis is always spot on in whatever role she takes on. As is Kyle MacLachlan who is another one, like Davis, who just gets better and betters.
The Verdict
Blink Twice is, somewhat surprisingly, a full 5 star effort. I went in sceptical, it could be that Trap was partly responsible, but was pleased at what Kravitz and co put together. The film is available on MGM plus and Prime video streaming services.
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