For her directorial debut, Zoë Kravitz offers a clever mix of genres, just subversive and incisive enough, with a good touch of humor and a large dose of suspense. She demonstrates astonishing mastery both in the direction of her breathtaking cast and in the balance of the treatment of a serious subject.
The actress seen in particular in The Batman and the series Big Little Lies initially wanted to title his film Pussy Island. She was discouraged from using the provocative title, but the basic idea remained. It was even refined through the prism of Harvey Weinstein’s fall and the birth of the #metoo movement. Zoë Kravitz had been working on the script with ET Feigenbaum since 2017 and said in an interview that she had rewritten it “a million times.”
It tells the story of Frida (Naomi Ackie), a penniless waitress who shares an apartment with her friend and co-worker Jess (Alia Shawkat), who falls head over heels for tech billionaire Slater King (Channing Tatum) at a charity event where they work. Later that night, the sparks of their awkward encounter turn into a drunken flirtation and an invitation to his private island.
Before that, the film opens with an interview with Slater King, who apologizes for his past actions and adds that he is happy to live out of the public sphere. At the same time, we see Frida searching her phone for information about the man without much concern for the allegations – of a nature never specified – that weigh on him.
Voluntary amnesia is the main theme of Blink Twice (Smile, everything is fine in French version), which also addresses power relations and sisterhood. Because there is also a certain celebration of women and girl powerespecially in the violent third act.
Without revealing too much of the rest of the plot, the idyllic location will gradually reveal – a little too much – its poisoned face.
“Are you having a good time?”
Slater and his friends Vic (Christian Slater), Cody (Simon Rex), Tom (Haley Joel Osment) and Lucas (Levon Hawke) have their hearts set on the happiness of Frida, Jess and their other guests: Sarah (Adria Arjona), Heather (Trew Mullen) and Camilla (Liz Caribel). Chilled champagne, hallucinogenic drugs, delicious meals and warm sunshine are all good ways to forget the problems of everyday life, until certain realizations disturb Frida.
The performances from the talented cast are remarkable. Naomi Ackie (Whitney Houston: I Wanna Dance with Somebody) and Adria Arjona (Hit Man) are distinguished by the vast range of emotions of their characters. The great Geena Davis (Thelma & Louise), who plays Slater’s slightly confused assistant, is particularly convincing in a small role. Channing Tatum (Magic Mike) is perfectly ambiguous.
Filmed in Mexico, Blink Twice is also a delight for the eyes (the images by Adam Newport-Berra) and the ears (the music by Chanda Dancy). The inclusion ofAin’t Nobody by Chaka Khan is enjoyable.
Suspense
Blink Twice
(VF: Smile, everything is fine)
Zoe Kravitz
With Naomi Ackie, Channing Tatum, Alia Shawkat
1 h 42
In the room
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