Zoë Kravitz, known for her sharp style and captivating presence, steps behind the camera in 'Blink Twice' (previously titled 'Pussy Island'), a film promising a critique of wealth and misogyny with Channing Tatum taking a surprising turn as a charismatic tech billionaire. However, the film falls short of its ambitious goals, ultimately becoming a shallow exploration of a familiar trope, where a woman falls for a captivating but potentially dangerous man.
The narrative centres on Frida, a struggling caterer played by Naomi Ackie, who finds herself drawn to the enigmatic Slater King (Tatum), a man shrouded in mystery and rumours of questionable past behaviour. Frida's obsession with Slater, despite his dubious reputation, feels ill-defined and unexplained, leaving the audience questioning her motivations.
The film attempts to explore the complexities of wealth, power dynamics, and the allure of 'soft life' and 'quiet wealth' trends within Black communities, but ultimately falls short. While the film hints at potential commentary on the exploitation of women, particularly through Slater's calculated charm and the unsettling behaviour of his inner circle, it never delves deep enough into these themes.
Kravitz's direction, unfortunately, reinforces the film's superficiality. The visuals are visually appealing, with lush locations and a sun-drenched aesthetic, but the overall tone is too light and breezy, undermining the darker elements of the story. The camera's focus on Tatum's physicality reinforces a romanticised image of the billionaire, further blurring the lines between fantasy and reality.
'Blink Twice' ultimately disappoints with its underwhelming exploration of a potentially thought-provoking subject. While it showcases Tatum's versatility as an actor, his performance, mirroring the film's overall tone, lacks the depth and nuance required to make Frida's obsession compelling. The film feels like a missed opportunity to delve into the complexities of female desire and the manipulation of power in the context of wealth and privilege.
Despite its captivating visuals and a star-studded cast, 'Blink Twice' ultimately feels like a hollow shell, lacking the substance and sharpness to make a lasting impression.
