SPOILER-FREE REVIEW
Flash twice is the impressive brainchild and directorial debut of Zoë Kravitz. The film is a perfect demonstration of her talent behind the camera as well as her long acting career. Kravitz previously made a name for herself as an actress in The Batman, Destiny – Divergent, Mad Max: Fury Roadand many more. Now she has released my best film of the year so far, where institution and emotional chaos merge. Her unique style of storytelling has me hooked.
Flash twice follows Frida (Naomi Ackie), a waitress who dreams of becoming a nail technician. Frida is infatuated with billionaire tech mogul Slater King (Channing Tatum). After trying her luck and sneaking into one of King’s exclusive fundraisers, she and her best friend Jess (Alia Shawkat) are unexpectedly whisked away to his luxurious private island. Surrounded by opulence, they are pampered with luxurious clothing, endless food, and plenty of alcohol. However, a darker reality lurks beneath the surface of this seemingly perfect vacation. While they appear to be enjoying themselves, an unsettling atmosphere suggests that not all is as it seems. This leads to a gripping exploration of hidden dangers and unexpected twists.
I went into Flash twice blind and completely unaware of the trigger warning Amazon MGM Studios had issued prior to release. Frankly, I’m glad I did. I don’t think the film would have affected me as much if I had any idea what to expect. Zoë Kravitz is truly masterful behind the camera. Her thoughtful use of color, the strikingly disorienting backdrop, and the subtle hints of underlying tension all work brilliantly together, creating a growing sense of unease that leads us to a powerful crescendo.
The outstanding cast of Blink Twice
Channing Tatum shines in the role of the charming playboy, a character type that suits him perfectly. I knew Naomi Ackie from her portrayal of Whitney Houston in Whitney Houston: I want to dance with someone. While she delivered a commendable performance in that film, I was pleasantly surprised by the depth she brought to her role in Flash twice. As Frida, she is truly remarkable, skillfully navigating the turmoil of her shattered dreams and the harsh realities she faces. She makes it to the end.
In addition to Tatum and Ackie, the supporting cast is also exceptional and includes a number of stars including Geena Davis, Christian Slater, Haley Joel Osment and Dirt Nasty himself, Simon’s Rex, to name a few. Each character is well developed and thoughtfully cast, adding to the film’s momentum. Each of them plays a crucial role and provides moments of comic relief that are important to balance the tension and prevent the audience from feeling overwhelmed by the horror.
Flash twice is in theaters now. Check it out!
