Blink Twice First Reviews – “A Must-Watch”, “Jaw-Dropping Thrill Ride” That’s “Shockingly Good”

Zoë Kravitz makes her directorial debut with Blink Twice , a feature she co-wrote with E.T. Feigenbaum about tech billionaire Slater King and a cocktail waitress called Frida who end up on a dream vacation on Slater's private island where things quickly begin to go awry.

Channing Tatum stars as Slater, and Naomi Ackie plays Frida, joined by an ensemble cast, including Alia Shawkat, Christian Slater, Simon Rex, Adria Arjona, and Haley Joel Osment.

The film hits theaters on August 23, and the first reviews are in from critics who have given it a fresh rating of 80% from 20 reviews, an excellent score for a debut feature.

" Blink Twice unfolds like a cousin to Jordan Peele's Get Out," Robert Kojder of Flickering Myth writes, "justifiably raging against the patriarchy and abuse. Decades of Channing Tatum's charm have been weaponized into a terrifying performance of despicable behavior."

The Hollywood Reporter disagrees, however, saying the film "is ultimately too scattered, stretched thin by the demands of its weighted themes, conspicuous imagery, half-baked plot points and partially realized characters."

However, the positives largely outweigh the negatives in the first reviews.

Brian Orndorf of Blu-ray.com says, " Blink Twice eventually goes full exploitation to find a finale, but up to this point, it's an intriguing examination of danger", and Leila Latif of Total Film says," Zoë Kravitz makes a phenomenal debut as director with this heightened, gripping thriller."

Blink Twice Review Roundup

• Next Best Picture: This concocted blend of societal commentary and genre makes Blink Twice a must-watch for those looking for a good time at the movies with some substance to their storytelling.

• Slashfilm: The result is a genuine, jaw-dropping thrill ride, and the biggest surprise film of the year.

• indieWire: Despite the heavier implications of Kravitz's film, the first-time filmmaker maintains an enviable buzz throughout, twinning humor and rage into one biting package. You'll laugh, you'll gasp, you'll have, yes, a very good time.

• AwardsWatch: Blink Twice is full of perceptive, intuitive cinematic instincts like this, ones that make you feel like you're watching a better movie than you actually are.

• The Movie Blog: Blink Twice is a shockingly good, wild, and unexpected ride. Zoë Kravitz makes a bold statement with her directorial debut...