Zoë Kravitz’s ‘Blink Twice’ Surprises At Box Office

Zoë Kravitz’s directorial debut, Blink Twice, may not have clinched the top spot at the North American box office, but it certainly made a strong impression.

With a compelling storyline and a talented cast, the thriller managed to outshine two new releases, securing its place as a notable entry in this weekend’s box office race.

Keep reading for more details!

A Strong Start Despite Fierce Competition

“Blink Twice,” an MGM social thriller, features Naomi Ackie and Channing Tatum in leading roles.

The film’s plot revolves around a woman, portrayed by Ackie, who visits a tech billionaire’s (Tatum) private island, only to stumble upon a dark and sinister conspiracy.

With a production budget of $20 million, the film’s journey to success was anything but straightforward.

Despite underwhelming numbers during previews, where it raked in $820,000, the film bounced back with a solid performance on its official opening day.

On Friday, August 23, 2024, “Blink Twice” earned an impressive $2.8 million at the domestic box office.

This achievement placed it ahead of two new releases: Lionsgate’s action remake “The Crow” and Sony Affirm Film’s “The Forge.”

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Critical Acclaim and Audience Reception

One of the key factors driving interest in “Blink Twice” is its favorable reception among critics.

The film boasts a certified fresh 79% critic score on Rotten Tomatoes, signaling that Kravitz’s directorial efforts have not gone unnoticed.

In particular, a review from the News Herald praised the film, stating, “Blink Twice is so many things, among them thoroughly entertaining, occasionally quite funny, increasingly horrifying, highly thought-provoking and, ultimately, poignant and powerful.”

While critical acclaim is essential, audience reception also plays a significant role in a film’s success.

“Blink Twice” received a B-grade from CinemaScore, a respectable rating for a thriller.

This suggests that while the film may not be a universal crowd-pleaser, it resonates well with a substantial portion of its audience.

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Box Office Performance

“Blink Twice” managed to secure fourth place at the domestic box office on its opening day.

It trailed behind three other films: “It Ends With Us,” which earned $3.8 million on its third Friday; “Alien Romulus,” which took second place with a $4.5 million haul on its second Friday; and “Deadpool and Wolverine,” which topped the chart with $4.8 million on its fifth Friday.

Despite not claiming the top spot, “Blink Twice” is projected to earn over $7 million by the end of its opening weekend, a respectable figure considering its competition and the general challenges facing mid-budget films in today’s market.

The Road Ahead for Zoë Kravitz and “Blink Twice”

For Zoë Kravitz, “Blink Twice” marks a significant milestone in her career.

Transitioning from acting to directing is no small feat, and the success of her debut feature speaks volumes about her potential behind the camera.

The film’s solid box office performance, combined with critical praise, suggests that Kravitz is a force to be reckoned with in the world of filmmaking.

Viewer’s Response

Those who’ve watched the movie have mixed reactions about it. Of course, everyone has a different taste, likes, and dislikes. Here are some of the viewer’s reviews:

• “This was a lot of fun while, at the same time, really embodied the gnawing sense of dread every woman has felt when she realises that the situation she is in is actually unsafe. Zoe Kravitz flavours of Glass Onion, Get Out and Promising Young Woman while still feeling like its own thing. The cast is absolutely on their game and meets the tone perfectly, none moreso than Naomi Ackie who gives a stunning performance. There are triggers in this and, as with most movies so focused on women and their experiences, it will not be for everyone but I loved it and found it extremely cathartic! I look forward to seeing what Zoe K has in store for us next!”
• “This was a movie that caught me off guard in the best way. At first, I wasn’t sure how I felt about the characters, especially the women, who came off a bit grating in the early scenes. But as the story unfolded, I found myself rooting for them, which speaks to the film’s ability to develop its characters in a meaningful way. One of the standout aspects was the way repetition was used to reinforce the themes the characters were grappling with. It’s a technique that might seem heavy-handed in other films, but here, it felt intentional and necessary, driving home the unsettling realities the story was exploring. Channing Tatum’s performance was surprisingly strong. He brought a depth to his character that I hadn’t expected, helping to navigate the film’s complex themes of male entitlement and the tension between forgetfulness and forgiveness… Solid B+/A-“
• “A very good directorial debut by Zoë Kravitz, if you like films like Get Out or Kubrick style symbolism and hidden meanings then there’s no reason not to watch this film. I say try not to blink during the movie because you will definitely be missing out on something worthy within the film. Channing and Naomi were well directed and Adria truly lights up every scene she is in. I am very much looking forward to Zoë’s next directorial venture. Hats off to the crew and actors, I can see a lot of effort was put fourth to making this film come together.”

Conclusion

• Zoë Kravitz’s first film as a director, Blink Twice, demonstrates her potential behind the camera, earning critical acclaim and a solid box office performance.
• The film earned $2.8 million on its opening day, surpassing two other new releases, despite a slow start during previews.
• Blink Twice holds a 79% certified fresh critic score, with reviews highlighting its entertainment value, thought-provoking themes, and powerful impact.
• The film received a B-grade from CinemaScore, indicating a generally positive audience response.
• Blink Twice secured fourth place in the domestic box office, with projections of over $7 million for its opening weekend.
• The film’s success suggests a bright future for Zoë Kravitz as a director, with Blink Twice paving the way for her continued growth in the industry.

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