The actor Zoë Kravitz is making her directorial debut with Blink Twice. She also co-wrote the screenplay with E.T. Feigenbaum (“High Fidelity” TV series). For these two filmmakers who do not have an extensive list of writing and directing credits, this film does not reflect it. This psychological thriller/dark comedy is one recommended to watch while in theaters – great cinematography and performances.
SYNOPSIS: 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.
Frida (Naomi Ackie) and her best friend Jess (Alia Shawkat) are regular working girls with not very much of the paycheck left to go out and have a good time. They take an extra gig serving food at a black-tie fundraiser one evening and Frida discovers it involves tech billionaire Slater King (Tatum), who recently has had some troubles. On social media, he is heard apologizing publicly (for who knows what).
Frida has a surprise for Jess. Before the end of the evening, they have time to change into gala clothes that will allow them “in” and able to mingle. Frida has a slight problem and before they are escorted out by security, they are helped by Slater. He shows his generosity and invites Frida and Jess to visit his island and travel via Slater’s private jet. What a dream, right, just party all day and night?
They are spontaneous when they agree to go. They find out there are other women guests, including Sarah (Adria Arjona, “Hit Man” Netflix), a reality show contestant, Camilla (Liz Caribel, “Sinking Spring” TV series) and Heather (Trew Mullen, “Sunny Family Cult” TV series). The first clue that something may not be all it seems is that all guests must hand over their cell phones upon landing. Stacy (Geena Davis) is Slater’s sister and assistant that takes care of the details. Yes, their clothes are provided for, and the women are given swimsuits plus matching outfits to wear.
Waiting on the island is Vic (Christian Slater, Slater’s right-hand man), Cody (Simon Rex, Slater’s childhood friend) and a gourmet cook, Tom (Haley Joel Osment) and Lucas (Levon Hawke) who both seem to just be there for the party. Rich (Kyle MacLachlan) tries to blend into the wall, but it is obvious he is Slater King’s eyes and ears. Watch out!
The women who don’t bond at first, slowly begin to sense that things are not as clear as when they arrived. How can some memories not be clear? The filmmakers are slowly building towards the reality of what the women guests are living. To say more would be to spoil this horror mystery.
Running time: 102 minutes. Rated R (for strong violent content, sexual assault, drug use and language throughout). In theaters on Friday, Aug. 23 (and some limited theaters on Thursday, August 22nd.
Source: Amazon MGM Studios
###