Zoë Kravitz is stepping into a new role, not just as an actress but as a director. Her latest project, “Blink Twice,” marks her directorial debut, and it’s a film that has personal meaning for her. Set in the sweltering heat of Mexico, this psychological thriller is about more than just its plot—it’s a story that dives deep into gender dynamics and power struggles.
Kravitz has always been known for her unique style and strong personality. But when it came to directing her first movie, fashion took a backseat. She embraced a practical “director’s uniform,” which she describes as comfortable and functional, prioritizing sneakers, ball caps, and casual wear. “It was just so hot,” she says, reflecting on the intense summer shoot.
The simplicity of her wardrobe was liberating, allowing her to focus on the job at hand without the pressure of maintaining a glamorous image.
“Blink Twice” tells the story of Frida, played by Naomi Ackie, a cater waiter who gets swept away by the mysterious billionaire Slater King, portrayed by Channing Tatum. The plot thickens as the characters find themselves on a secluded island, where things quickly take a dark turn. Women in the group begin to blackout and wake up with strange injuries, while others vanish without a trace. As Frida tries to unravel the mystery, the film explores deeper themes of power, control, and the silent struggles that women often face in male-dominated spaces.
Also Read: Cardi B’s Fiery Response to Skin Bleaching Claims While Pregnant: “Why Must Y’all Be So Dumb?”
Kravitz co-wrote the script seven years ago, drawing inspiration from the emotions she felt during the Me Too movement. She wanted to capture the frustration and confusion many women experience, highlighting the unspoken camaraderie that often exists in such challenging environments. “Women are expected to smile and make everyone else comfortable, even when they’re not okay,” she explains. “I wanted to show how absurd that expectation is.”
The journey to becoming a director wasn’t an easy one for Kravitz. Growing up between Los Angeles and Miami, with famous parents—musician Lenny Kravitz and actress Lisa Bonet—she was exposed to the entertainment industry from a young age.
However, it wasn’t until she took on more significant roles in movies like “Mad Max: Fury Road” and “X-Men: First Class,” followed by her work on Hulu’s “High Fidelity,” that she began to feel confident in her abilities as a storyteller.
Also Read: Jennifer Lopez Makes a Major Change After Divorce—Could This Be Her Fresh Start?
The idea of directing “Blink Twice” herself felt natural after spending years developing the script. Although she initially considered playing the lead role of Frida, Kravitz decided to focus solely on directing, recognizing the challenges of managing both roles. “Directing is something I’m new at, and it’s hard enough on its own,” she says. “Doing both just didn’t make sense.”
Kravitz received support from many of her friends and colleagues during the filmmaking process, including her “Big Little Lies” co-stars Reese Witherspoon and Nicole Kidman. Their encouragement, along with input from creative minds like Ilana Glazer, Donald Glover, and Natasha Lyonne, helped her navigate the complex world of directing.
One of her biggest supporters was her fiancé, Channing Tatum, who also stars in the film. The couple, who started dating in 2021 and announced their engagement last fall, grew even closer while working on “Blink Twice.” Kravitz appreciated Tatum’s instinct to help and protect her, although she admits there were times when she just needed someone to listen rather than fix things. “We learned to ask each other, ‘What do you need right now?’” she says. “That experience brought us so much closer.”
Also Read: Could AI Change How We See Politics? The Case of Trump, Taylor Swift, and Fake Endorsements!
As the release date for “Blink Twice” approaches, Kravitz is experiencing a whirlwind of emotions—nervousness, excitement, and even a bit of sadness as she prepares to let go of a project she’s poured so much of herself into.
The film premiered in Los Angeles earlier this month, where Kravitz thanked Tatum for “trusting me to female direct you” in a light-hearted moment that also carried a deeper message. She’s hopeful that the term “female director” will soon be retired, as it feels redundant and unnecessary. “I like honoring women who take that leap,” she says, “but I’d prefer if people just called us directors.”
Looking ahead, Kravitz is eager to continue writing and directing, though she’s waiting for the right inspiration to strike. For now, she’s proud of what she’s accomplished with “Blink Twice,” and she’s ready to see how audiences respond to her vision.