Zoe Kravitz’s horror film praised by fans after issuing ‘sexual violence’ trigger warning-Asyia Iftikhar-Entertainment – Metro

Blink Twice explores difficult themes, as fans have been informed (Picture: AP)

Blink Twice has impressed fans after sharing a trigger warning ahead of its release – something the controversial blockbuster It Ends With Us failed to do.

Zoe Kravitz’s directorial debut, starring Channing Tatum and Naomi Ackie, follows tech billionaire Slater King (Channing) who invites young waitress Frida (Naomi) to his private island.

But what begins as a luxurious, drug-fuelled idyll soon takes a sinister turn as Frida realises her best friend Jess (Alia Shawkat) has gone missing and she is suffering from mysterious memory loss.

The R-rated black comedy delves into the dark and twisted world of the mega-rich, and the heinous behavior they can get away with when they believe no-one is looking.

The film is described as a ‘harrowing social commentary’ focused on ‘misogyny’ by the Evening Standard and a ‘post-#MeToo feminist party-girl nightmare thriller’ by Variety.

Earlier today, production companies Amazon MGM Studios and Warner Bros, posted a trigger warning for ‘sexual violence’ to potential cinema-goers.

‘Trigger warning: We are proud to finally share Blink Twice with audiences in theaters worldwide this week,’ the message reads on social media.

‘Blink Twice is a psychological thriller about the abuse of power. While this is a fictionalized movie, it contains mature themes and depictions of violence — including sexual violence.

‘This may be upsetting or triggering for some viewers. For resources that offer support, visit BlinkTwiceResources.com.’

On the website, information is provided about the RAINN sexual assault hotline and No More organisation.

‘The film explores themes of sexual violence, power dynamics, and the complex experiences of sexual abuse survivors. If you or someone you know has experienced sexual violence — it is NOT your fault and you are NOT alone,’ the website adds.

The trigger warning comes just weeks after the release of Blake Lively’s drama, It Ends With Us, which was criticised for not offering a trigger warning given that domestic abuse is a central theme of the plot.

This is Zoe Kravitz’s directorial debut (Picture: Chris Pizzello/Invision/AP)

Some fans have pointed out how differently It Ends With Us handled trigger warnings (Picture: PA)

Many fans criticised the way the film was marketed as a light-hearted floral rom-com, and the fact that there was no clear warning provided by the studio about the difficult themes it portrays.

And movie watchers were quick to point this out.

‘Not MGM studios giving a better content warning for Blink Twice than It Ends With Us,’ @amandathejedi wrote on X.

‘Blink Twice putting out a trigger warning before the movie is even out? could never be It Ends With Us,’ @ZozoSparkles added.

Over on Instagram, fans agreed. ‘And that’s how to do it. Brilliant marketing,’ @ashantiomkar commented.

‘It Ends With Us could never, how Blake marketed the film as a rom-com when it’s a study on domestic violence is wild,’ @jordan_acc_48383.

More generally, people praised the decision to inform viewers of what to expect. trigger warnings have long have become a contentious topic in the past few years, especially in the world of theatre.

Stars such as Ralph Fiennes, Matt Smith and Dame Judi Dench have all shared their perspective on whether it is necessary to offer it.

For many – especially those with trauma in their past – trigger warnings can provide vital context to make sure they are making an informed decision over what they view.

‘Every film studio should do this when they are making a film with heavy themes,’ @moralessense wrote.

‘Call me anti art all you want, I think this should be the norm. I hope more studios take example from this. you can know what you’re getting into without altering your experience. for a lot of people being aware is enough,’ @nitecrawIerz added.

Prior to being called Blink Twice, the movie was meant to be called Pussy Island, but Zoe eventually changed her mind.

‘It was made very clear to me that ‘pussy’ is a word that we, our society, are not ready to embrace yet.

‘There were a lot of roadblocks along the way, whether it be the MPAA not wanting to put it on a poster, or a billboard, or a kiosk; movie theaters not wanting to put it on a ticket,’ she told Entertainment Weekly.

Elsewhere, in a chat with The Hollywood Reporter, the 35-year-old star shared why this project was so personal for her.

‘This story is so personal to me in terms of exploring what it feels like to be a woman, and of course when I’m talking to my girlfriends, we all have similar experiences, but when you go outside of your circle, it can be a little scary.

She then added that she connected with lead star Naomi over their shared experiences of feeling invisible.  

Blink Twice comes out in cinemas on August 23.

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