August 21st 2024.
The highly anticipated film, Blink Twice, has been the talk of the town among fans as it explores difficult themes. However, what has impressed fans even more is the trigger warning that was shared ahead of its release. This is something that the controversial blockbuster, It Ends With Us, failed to do.
Directed by Zoe Kravitz, in her directorial debut, and starring Channing Tatum and Naomi Ackie, the film follows tech billionaire Slater King. He invites young waitress, Frida, to his private island for what initially seems like a luxurious, drug-fueled getaway. However, things take a sinister turn when Frida realizes that her best friend, Jess, has gone missing and she is also suffering from unexplained 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 watching. It has been described as a "harrowing social commentary" by the Evening Standard and a "post-#MeToo feminist party-girl nightmare thriller" by Variety.
In a responsible move, the production companies behind the film, Amazon MGM Studios and Warner Bros, posted a trigger warning for "sexual violence" to potential cinema-goers. On their social media, they wrote, "Trigger warning: We are proud to finally share Blink Twice with audiences in theaters worldwide this week. 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."
The website provides information about the RAINN sexual assault hotline and the No More organization. It also states that the film explores themes of sexual violence, power dynamics, and the complex experiences of sexual abuse survivors. The website also offers words of support, stating, "If you or someone you know has experienced sexual violence – it is NOT your fault and you are NOT alone."
This decision to include a trigger warning for such sensitive subjects has been praised by fans. It stands in stark contrast to the recent release of Blake Lively's drama, It Ends With Us, which received criticism for not providing a trigger warning despite domestic abuse being a central theme of the plot. Many have pointed out the difference in how these two films have handled trigger warnings.
Some fans have taken to social media to express their thoughts, with one user writing, "Not MGM studios giving a better content warning for Blink Twice than It Ends With Us." Another added, "Blink Twice putting out a trigger warning before the movie is even out? Could never be It Ends With Us."
The importance of trigger warnings in the entertainment industry has been a contentious topic in recent years. Stars such as Ralph Fiennes, Matt Smith, and Dame Judi Dench have all shared their perspectives on whether it is necessary to offer them. For many, especially those with past trauma, trigger warnings can provide vital context to make an informed decision about what they are about to watch.
Fans have praised the decision to inform viewers about the difficult themes in Blink Twice, with one user writing, "Every film studio should do this when they are making a film with heavy themes. 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."
The film was originally titled Pussy Island, but Zoe eventually changed her mind. In an interview with Entertainment Weekly, she explained the decision, saying, "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."
In a chat with The Hollywood Reporter, Zoe also shared why this project was so personal to her, stating, "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 also revealed that she connected with lead star Naomi over their shared experiences of feeling invisible.
Blink Twice hits theaters on August 23 and promises to be a thought-provoking and powerful film. Kudos to the filmmakers for being respectful of their audience and providing important trigger warnings. If you have a celebrity story, video, or pictures, you can get in touch with the entertainment team at The Agency via email or by visiting their Submit Stuff page. They would love to hear from you.
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