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Zoe Kravitz and Dallas Austin for the Atlanta screening of Blink Twice film. Photo credit: Getty Images/Paras Griffin

Atlanta recently hosted a pre-screening of the upcoming thriller-horror film Blink Twice, which marks the directorial debut of Zoë Kravitz. The event featured a special appearance by Kravitz and was hosted by renowned music producer Dallas Austin, who warmly welcomed her to the city. Austin passionately advocated for the film to be screened in Atlanta, believing that its compelling story deserves to be shared with a wider audience.

Zoe Kravitz chatting with infleuncers Tami (TalkingwithTami.com) and Kiwi (KiwiTheBeauty.com) after the Atlanta screening of Blink Twice. Photo credit: Getty Images:Paras Griffin

Zoë Kravitz, known for her successful acting career, is also the daughter of talented parents Lenny Kravitz and Lisa Bonet. It’s both fascinating and ironic that her first foray into directing is a horror-thriller, especially considering that 37 years earlier—just a year before Zoë was born—her mother starred in the controversial film Angel Heart. That project pushed boundaries for Bonet as she sought to expand her career, and now, with Blink Twice, Zoë is following in her mother’s footsteps by challenging herself and exploring new creative avenues in the horror/thriller genre too. She is not simply an actress; she is now adding director to her impressive resume, offering her unique perspective on the entertainment industry.

Zoe Kravitz the director of Blink Twice, poses on the red carpet at the Los Angeles premiere with her real-life fiancé Channing Tatum, who stars in the film.

Zoë wants everyone to know that while this is a psychological horror film, it’s also a unique kind of “celebration.” Imagine diving into the unsettling travel vibes of A24’s Midsommar (2019), feeling that deep, intuitive fear like you get from Jordan Peele’s Get Out (2017), enjoying the fun and excitement of a Girl’s Trip (2017), and experiencing the suspense of isolated island thrillers like The Menu (2022) and Shutter Island (2010). We all dream of taking a vacation to escape reality, but what happens when you want to escape from your vacation instead?

Be sure to check out the trailer below and read the full review of Blink Twice!

BLINK TWICE CLIP

When tech billionaire Slater King (Channing Tatum) meets cocktail waitress Frida (Naomi Ackie) at his fundraising gala, sparks fly. He invites her to join him and his friends on a dream vacation on his private island. It’s paradise. Wild nights blend into sun soaked days and everyone’s having a great time. No one wants this trip to end, but as strange things start to happen, Frida begins to question her reality. There is something wrong with this place. She’ll have to uncover the truth if she wants to make it out of this party alive.

Directed by: Zoë Kravitz 

Written by: Zoë Kravitz & E.T. Feigenbaum

Produced by: Bruce Cohen, p.g.a., Tiffany Persons, p.g.a., Garret Levitz, p.g.a., Zoë Kravitz, Channing Tatum

Executive Producers: Stacy Perskie, Jordan Harkins, Vania Schlogel

Cast: Naomi Ackie, Channing Tatum, Christian Slater, Simon Rex, Adria Arjona, Kyle MacLachlan, Haley Joel Osment, with Geena Davis and Alia Shawkat

Genre: Thriller, Mystery

Rated: R for strong violent content, sexual assault, drug use and language throughout, and some sexual references

REVIEW

Prepare yourself for a psychological journey that is as visually stunning as it is unsettling. Blink Twice is a cinematic masterpiece that feels like each frame is crafted to be a work of art. It captures the essence of vacationing—our innate desire to seize and immortalize breathtaking moments. But in this film, those moments are captured through Polaroids, as smartphones are conspicuously absent on this isolated island.

The story follows Frida (Naomi Ackie), a young woman drawn into the intriguing world of Slater King (Channing Tatum), a charming billionaire who offers her a chance to escape to his private island. Who could say no to this enticing opportunity? Frida, along with her best friend and a mix of strangers they meet at an auction, find themselves on a spontaneous flight to paradise.

At first glance, this island seems like the ultimate getaway. Everyone enjoys luxurious private rooms, stunning clothes, maid service, gourmet meals, and endless fun. Days are spent lounging by the pool, sipping cocktails, and indulging in recreational highs. It’s a utopian fantasy where adult responsibilities vanish, and carefree bliss reigns supreme.

However, as the film unfolds, the initial euphoria begins to feel dangerously deceptive. You may find yourself lost in its beauty, lulled into forgetting that this is a thriller with a dark undercurrent. The vibrant visuals almost mask the impending sense of doom—because when something seems too good to be true, it usually is.

Without giving away any spoilers, it’s important to note the current trend of young women seeking “flewed out” experiences—where affluent men pay for flights and accommodations, promising a free vacation. But, as this film suggests, nothing in life comes without a cost.

Channing Tatum, typically known for his seductive roles in the Magic Mike franchise, takes on a more complex character here. His portrayal of Slater is both alluring and unsettling, hinting at darker motivations behind his charm.

Naomi Ackie shines as Frida, expertly navigating the film’s blend of horror and thriller elements. Her character defies the typical damsel in distress trope; instead, the film emphasizes female collaboration and strength in the face of objectification. It’s a refreshing narrative that highlights the power of female friendships—an essential theme that resonates deeply. Just wait until the film plays Beyoncé’s Act i: Renaissance track “I’m That Girl.” It’s the perfect anthem that really amps up the intensity as the plot takes a thrilling twist!

This is not your typical thriller. With a series of unexpected twists and turns, you may find yourself questioning how danger lurks beneath the surface of paradise. Each day appears to be a dream vacation, yet an unseen threat looms, leaving you on the edge of your seat.

As you watch Blink Twice, consider the real-life implications of getting “flewed out” by wealthy strangers. The allure of a seemingly once-in-a-lifetime opportunity can be hard to resist, but it’s wise to remain cautious. As Kravtiz mentioned during the Atlanta screening, this film is centered around “celebration.” However, it prompts us to question who is actually celebrating, at what cost, and for whom?

This film serves as a thrilling reminder to think twice before embracing the allure of paradise—because sometimes, you may need to “blink twice” in case you’re in danger.

See Blink Twice Only in Theaters August 23