Blink Twice
⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️ (out of 5)
There continues to be a seismic shift in Hollywood as more female directors enter the mix of cinematic storytellers. Zoe Kravitz (The Batman) looked to join this prestigious group of filmmakers, and the celebrated actress looks to be taking from Emerald Fennell’s playbook as she dives into confronting content to start her directorial journey.
She partnered with E.T. Feigenbaum in writing this tale of billionaire tech mogul Slater King (Channing Tatum) as he attempts to make up for falling out with the public. He works hard to reestablish his public persona by apologising and acknowledging his need for therapy and respite. As he establishes a private paradise on a remote island, the successful entrepreneur regularly takes his entourage to the tropical locale for adult entertainment. After meeting Slater at a fundraising event, Frida (Naomi Ackie) and Jess (Alia Shawkat) get invited to the exclusive resort. During the poolside shenanigans and drug-filled parties, everyone looks to be enjoying themselves until the entertainment begins to take a dark turn. Suddenly, the party takes on a sinister element that brings the paradise from fun to terrifying for all involved.
Reminiscent of Emerald Fennell’s Promising Young Woman takes on a complex topic in society in a confronting manner. Where these two tales differ is how Kravitz’s narrative ventures more into the fantastical realm. Her visual style complements the jarring nature of the subject matter, and the slow burn of the first two acts sets up a gut punch in the final act. As the mystery unravels the party atmosphere's vicious undertones, the film moves from pure hedonism to warning all who move within these circles. Beyond being wary of drug usage, this script unearths the despicable nature of the human heart and what people can do if left without any moral boundaries.
Naomi Ackie and Adria Arjona (Hitman) are the standouts within this ensemble cast as they begin to unmask the devious plans of the island’s owner. There is a nostalgic element to seeing Christian Slater, Simon Rex, Haley Joel Osment, Kyle MacLachlan, and Geena Davis on screen; none take on their role to the degree of Channing Tatum. As he slides from hero to villain as each scene proceeds, the Magic Mike actor proves he has more to bring to audiences than a pretty face and chiselled abs. Despite the disturbing nature of the content and the graphic conclusion to this murky story, the cast did deliver strong performances along the way.
Zoe Kravitz delivers a confronting, disturbing, graphic, cautionary tale that will be hard for audiences to embrace or stomach. Yet, for those willing to go along for the tropical island excursion, there is promise in this young filmmaker’s future writing and skills behind the camera.
REEL DIALOGUE: What does the Bible say about illegal and recreational drugs?
Some could argue that the Bible does not say anything about illicit drug usage, which is a true statement. Cocaine, heroin, marijuana, cannabis, or any other illegal drugs are not mentioned throughout the canon of scripture. To be clear, their exclusion does not mean that God has nothing to say about them or that it gives them a licence to use them.
Beyond being bad for your health and extending to be outside the realm of acceptable behaviour in our society and in this film, one thing that Christians are called to in the Bible is to respect and obey the laws of the land. Passages in the Old and New Testaments like Ecclesiastes 8:2-5, Matthew 22:21, 23:2-3, and Romans 13:1-7 support the argument against using illegal drugs. Even with all of the various arguments for legalising drugs, keep in mind that simply disagreeing with a law does not justify breaking that law.
This is merely scratching the surface of this discussion, but hopefully, it can help to stop this behaviour that is destroying societies around the world.
