Zoë Kravitz shares that Beyoncé was ‘incredibly supportive’ about including her song in ‘Blink Twice’
Warning! We will be discussing the ending of the newly released film “Blink Twice” (now in theaters). Proceed with caution if you haven’t watched it yet.
Beyoncé is selective about granting the use of her music.
However, the pop icon made an exception for Zoë Kravitz, who effectively uses a beloved track from “Renaissance” during the intense conclusion of her edgy new thriller “Blink Twice.”
This film revolves around a social climber named Frida (played by Naomi Ackie), who joins billionaire Slater King (Channing Tatum) and his wild group on an unplanned getaway. What starts as a luxurious vacation turns into a cult-like horror show as Frida uncovers that Slater and his male friends have been drugging and assaulting the women to establish their control.
When the women awaken to find themselves victimized by the men, they seek revenge by eliminating them one after another. In the climax, Frida partners with her new ally Sarah (Adria Arjona) to confront Slater. With knives in hand, they confidently approach his opulent estate, set to the mesmerizing beats of Beyoncé’s “I’m That Girl.”
In a dramatic struggle, Frida and Slater grapple on the floor, sending candles toppling and igniting the mansion. However, instead of letting him perish, Frida saves the nefarious tech mogul and blackmails him into surrendering his wealth using some memory-altering substances. The film wraps up with her hosting a glamorous gala.
Why Zoë Kravitz picked Beyoncé’s ‘I’m That Girl’ for the grand finale of ‘Blink Twice’
The captivating “I’m That Girl,” featuring its empowering mantra of “ain’t stopping me,” serves as an ideal accompaniment for the film’s uplifting conclusion.
“I honestly didn’t think we would secure that song,” Kravitz revealed. “Our budget for music was quite limited. We sent our request to Beyoncé and her team, and they were wonderfully accommodating and responsive. Although she didn’t watch the entire film, she viewed a snippet of that scene, and said ‘yes,’ showing immense support. I was genuinely astonished when we found out we had it. It plays such a significant role in the film, it really brings in this whole meta, girl-power vibe.”
Kravitz considered “numerous” options for that scene, including another favorite of Beyoncé’s: “Crazy in Love” featuring Jay-Z. Yet she concluded that “nothing came close” to “I’m That Girl.”
“It was simply unmatched,” she continued. “Experimenting with different songs in various scenes is fascinating to see how dramatically it alters the tone. But once you incorporate Beyoncé, it’s hard to look back!”
While filming that scene, Kravitz was “picking hit after hit” from diverse decades and genres, but they kept exclaiming that they wanted Beyoncé, chuckles Ackie.
In the wake of the traumatic events they endured, “I’m That Girl” represents a defiant “gesture against the system,” according to Ackie. “It just makes you want to celebrate. It’s oddly uplifting, marking a reclaiming of power in such a chilling segment of the film.”
Naomi Ackie recalls the ‘party-like’ atmosphere on the set of ‘Blink Twice’
“Blink Twice” is packed with equally impactful musical selections, featuring tracks like Chaka Khan’s “Ain’t Nobody” and James Brown’s “People Get Up and Drive Your Funky Soul.” Music holds a significant place in Kravitz’s life; her father is rock legend Lenny Kravitz, and she has led her own musical groups, such as Lolawolf. Consequently, she was particularly attuned to the dialogue’s rhythm during the scriptwriting process.
“The rhythm is crucial for me, influencing how scenes transition and the overall melody of a scene,” Kravitz explains. “People adore Aaron Sorkin because his writing flows like a symphony. Editing too: I admire editing that possesses a certain rhythm and impact. My mindset revolves around those principles.”
Ackie expressed her amazement at the director’s “unique style” and meticulous “attention to detail,” especially concerning elements like sound and music.
“She constantly introduced these fantastic songs, and we just connected,” Ackie reflects. “It truly felt magical. It’s such a privilege to be part of something that feels like a celebration.”