By Nisha Punwani
Blink Twice is a psychological thriller starring Naomi Ackie as Frida and Channing Tatum as wealthy billionaire Slater King. The film also marks Zoë Kravitz’s directorial debut, with the script co-written by E.T. Feigenbaum.
“Channing Tatum is a clown, but this is the best movie I’ve seen of him yet,” said Colin MacDonald, supervisor of The University of Tampa admission call center.
The movie begins with a video apology from Slater King, which protagonist Frida watches with a faint smile. At a fundraising gala, Frida’s intense fascination with King becomes evident as she gazes at him from a distance. Determined to make contact, Frida approaches King and successfully secures an invitation for herself and her friend Jess to visit King’s private island.
Upon arrival, they are generously accommodated in their rooms and receive gifts of perfume and a pristine white outfit left on Frida’s bed. As Frida settles into her room, she encounters a cleaner who repeatedly mutters the phrase “red rabbit.” They meet the other vacationers on the island, and we witness them enjoying drinks, smoking, and trying foods from the private chef Cody. Later, they are introduced to a hallucinogenic drug, which Frida decides to try.
Frida and Jess wake up with memory lapses but seem unworried and continue their trip. The island employees watch Frida but do not interact with any of the vacationers. Frida observes them cleaning up venomous snakes on the island and disposing of them.
As the movie progresses, things become increasingly suspicious, but Frida seems to overlook it for the sake of her time with Slater King and the opportunity to vacation for free. While the idea of being invited to an island sounds appealing, the prospect of going with strangers and having no way to contact the outside world does not.
UTampa alumna Aaliyah Holden said, “Blink Twice was refreshingly independent from the typical plots of other contemporary films.”
Tatum delivers a captivating performance in the role that showcases a new side of his acting abilities. He adeptly embodies the essence of a simultaneously unsettling and alluring character.
“I’m a fan of Channing Tatum, and it’s nice to see him take on more challenging roles since I’ve never seen him do something ‘serious,’” said sophomore Christina Mroczkowski.
The on-screen chemistry between Tatum and Ackie is enthralling, adding a layer of complexity to the entire film. The characters’ awkward yet strangely comfortable interactions introduce a captivating dynamic to the narrative.
Additionally, Kravitz’s directorial representation intricately interlaces a storyline encompassing themes of love, sexuality, and societal norms, thereby crafting a nuanced commentary on misogyny.
Tatum’s portrayal of Gambit in Deadpool & Wolverine also merits acclaim. It is hoped that Tatum and Ackie, whose performance was striking, will continue to grace the screen with their talent. Ackie’s portrayal, which flawlessly oscillates between humor and depth, warrants commendation.
Blink Twice has been awarded a 74% rating on Rotten Tomatoes and a 6.9 out of 10 rating on IMDb. Reviewers have described it as “worth the uncomfortable watch.”
The movie addresses challenging topics, so be aware of mature themes and depictions of violence. An official trigger warning was issued on the film’s Instagram.
Don’t miss the chance to experience Blink Twice in theaters.