Zoë Kravitz Feels ‘Much Closer’ to Channing Tatum After Directing ‘Blink Twice’
Zoë Kravitz has her signature “director’s uniform.”
While filming her latest movie, “Blink Twice,” during the scorching summer in Mexico, Kravitz prioritized comfort over style, sporting sneakers, baseball caps, and the occasional sports bra.
“I purchased around 12 Patagonia shorts in various colors. It was just so hot,” she shared during a recent Zoom chat. “I found it really enjoyable not to stress about my appearance as a director; I loved just rolling out of bed every day. As a woman, that felt incredibly freeing.”
“Blink Twice” (hitting theaters this Friday) is Kravitz’s directorial debut at the age of 35. Known for her performances in works like “The Batman” and HBO’s “Big Little Lies,” this psychological thriller narrates the story of cater waiter Frida (played by Naomi Ackie) who is wooed by the infamous billionaire Slater King (Channing Tatum). He invites her to a private island for a wild weekend with friends, but as the trip unfolds, the women begin to黑out and emerge with alarming injuries. Some even vanish, leading Frida on a frantic quest to uncover the truth.
Inspired by the “rage and confusion” she experienced following the Me Too movement, Kravitz co-wrote the script seven years ago. She aimed to shed light on the gender power dynamics and the unspoken sisterhood among women in male-dominated environments.
“Women are often expected to act like everything is fine when it’s not,” Kravitz explains. “We’re told to smile, make others comfortable, and move on. I wanted to emphasize how strange that expectation is.”
Zoë Kravitz Sought Support from ‘Big Little Lies’ Actors While Making ‘Blink Twice’
Kravitz spent her childhood splitting time between Los Angeles and Miami, raised by her renowned parents, musician Lenny Kravitz and actress Lisa Bonet. As a teenager, she admired films directed by Quentin Tarantino and Penny Marshall, always envisioning herself as a director, although she “didn’t know how to make that jump,” she admits.
After notable roles in “Mad Max: Fury Road” and “X-Men: First Class,” she took the reins as producer, star, and writer for the 2020 Hulu comedy “High Fidelity.” Despite the show’s brief run, it was a pivotal moment for her confidence as a storyteller.
“That was the first time I felt a real sense of control over a project,” Kravitz states. “Especially for women, it’s common to feel like you should just stay quiet. You need to believe in yourself and assert, ‘No, I know what this project needs.’”
After dedicating years to crafting “Blink Twice,” she felt it was essential for her to direct it herself. Initially, she had thought about playing Frida but realized, “Directing is already a significant challenge, and adding acting seemed overwhelming.”
Ackie describes Kravitz as “a force to be reckoned with,” establishing a set atmosphere that was both relaxed and intensely dedicated.
“She fostered an environment that emphasized hard work and enjoyment,” recalls Ackie, noting the constant music on set. “We bonded while being fully committed to our work. That was all thanks to her.”
During the writing and editing phase, Kravitz actively sought feedback from her creative friends like Ilana Glazer, Donald Glover, and Natasha Lyonne. She also received support from her “Big Little Lies” co-stars, Reese Witherspoon and Nicole Kidman.
Kravitz expressed, “As women and artists, it’s meaningful to check in with each other, asking, ‘How’s everything? Are you doing okay? I’m proud of you. I can’t wait to see it!’ Having a supportive community is significant.”
Zoë Kravitz shares how fiancé Channing Tatum supported her during the filming of Slater King
She has also received immense support from Tatum, 44, whom she began dating in 2021, with their engagement being announced last fall. She mentions how their relationship deepened through the filmmaking process, as they learned when to provide constructive criticism and when to just be there for one another.
Kravitz expressed, “Chan’s natural instinct is to want to fix everything. He always aims to take care of me, so if I’m feeling upset or flustered, he wants to resolve it. At times, this would frustrate me because I would just want someone to listen. But we learned to ask each other, ‘What do you need right now?’ This experience has brought us much closer.”
Looking ahead, Kravitz is eager to continue writing and directing, although she’s waiting for the right moment. “I’m thrilled, but these things can’t be forced,” she noted.
As the release date approaches, she experiences a wave of mixed emotions: anxiety, fear, and a trace of sadness as she prepares to let go. Kravitz and Tatum premiered “Blink Twice” in Los Angeles this month, where she humorously thanked her fiancé for “trusting me to direct you as a woman.” She hopes this labeling will soon become obsolete.
“It’s ridiculous, like referring to a female doctor as a ‘female doctor,’” she commented. “I want to celebrate women who take that leap because it’s often more challenging for us to secure a position in the director’s seat. However, I’d prefer if we were simply recognized as directors—it sounds unnecessary.”