By Lynn Venhaus
Neither original nor groundbreaking, “Blink Twice” is a logic-free revenge tale that fails to convince in its twist-filled horror-suspense scenario.

Populated by pretty people playing vapid characters that are woefully underdeveloped, the film’s intent is a good one, but it is so poorly executed that by the time you understand what’s going on, it still leaves gaping holes in any kind of realistic plot.

When tech billionaire Slater King (Channing Tatum) meets catering waitress Frida (Naomi Ackie) at his fundraising gala, sparks fly. He invites her to join him and his friends for a fantasy vacation on his private island.

No worries on not having underwear or toothbrushes, all is provided at this extravagant luxe resort – the women will all be wearing the same white sarongs and swimsuits. And same perfume. Hmmm…

What “King” does or how he made his billions is vague, as are his reasons for stepping away from the business (eluding to a #MeToo incident but no specifics). The film is always light on specifics.

The sketchy, skimpy plot involves some scientific know-how, so is that one of his skills? Don’t ask too many questions, because we’re just supposed to watch, not understand – or be drawn in by any sort of character revelation.

Debut director Zoe Kravitz, who wrote the screenplay with E. T. Feigenbaum, has opted for a trouble-in-paradise story that quickly wears out its welcome. In trying to emulate “Get Out” and “Promising Young Woman,” this mystery-thriller reminds us how very special Jordan Peele and Emerald Fennell’s Oscar-winning original screenplays were (key word ‘original’).

Lacking that game-changing acuity, Kravitz has created a tropical paradise setting a la “White Lotus” – or “The Menu,” with nods to the “Knives Out” franchise. However, it does look beautiful and enticing, and the director, a savvy actress, favors close-ups amply provided by cinematographer Adam Newport-Berry.

It’s 24/7 party people, an endless parade of fun in the sun, where champagne flows non-stop and wild nights involve drug-taking (“with intention”!?!). Until it’s not – like a bad hangover that keeps pounding away. There are nasty-looking snakes slithering around the island – a metaphor, perhaps?

When the reality check takes place – and no spoilers here – the conclusion feels unearned. Head-scratching plot twists abound.

Naomi Ackie, who was terrific as Whitney Houston in the 2022 biopic  “I Wanna Dance with Somebody,” is the sweet but transparently ambitious waitress with stars-in-her-eyes, tantalized by the reckless abandonment she’s a part of, along with best friend Alia Shawkat as Jess (a fine turn).

She befriends the snobby and cynical reality TV star Sarah – feistily played by Adria Arjona – and they become an army in the darkness. (I will say that’s believable, for sisterhoods happen in the strangest places.)

Geena Davis is Slater’s scatterbrained sister Stacy who is always carrying an armful of red giftbags and mumbling things. Hmmm…Her ditzy presence is odd and unexplained, as is Kyle MacLachlan as Slater’s therapist. He has an air of mystery – and deviousness – but that’s not explored either.

The male cast plays mostly characters who work for Slater. There’s the tech whiz kid Lucas, portrayed by Levon Hawke (son of Ethan Hawke and Uma Thurman, brother to actress Maya); Simon Rex embodies chef Cody who takes great delight in preparing Michelin-starred restaurant cuisine for the guests; Haley Joel Osment is a nondescript Tom, a pleasant-enough go-along; and Christian Slater is Vic, not really sure of his status but he seems like a right-hand man.

Things don’t add up, tables turn, things fall apart. End of story. Or is it? So much is crammed into the final third act that it’s dizzying – and ludicrous — in its so-called resolutions, but they don’t wrap up plot points raised or add any more reasoning to characters that are hard to accept, let alone connect to in any way. Hedonism is not enough of a reason to watch.

Cue the “Twilight Zone” theme song. Again, reminding us of much better movies and social satires aimed at the ruling class and their conspicuous entitlement, not to mention casual disregard to treat people as human beings.

“Blink Twice” is all surface glamour turned grisly, a stunning picture-postcard of a film that is ultimately unsatisfying if you are looking for more than girls gone wild, and kicks gone wrong.

“Blink Twice” is a 2024 horror-mystery-thriller directed by Zoe Kravitz and starring Channing Tatum, Naomi Ackie, Alia Shawkat, Christian Slater, Haley Joel Osment, Simon Rex, Geena Davis, Adria Arjoni, and Levon Hawke. It is 1 hour, 42 minutes and rated R for strong violent content, sexual assault, drug use and language throughout. It opens in theaters Aug. 23. Lynn’s Grade: D+.