Growing Up, Zoë Kravitz Witnessed Power Abuse Firsthand: How It Shaped Her New Film

Channing Tatum stars as a scheming tech billionaire in Blink Twice, Kravitz's directorial debut.

She co-wrote Blink Twice, her directorial debut, about a young woman (Naomi Ackie) who is invited to a private island with a tech billionaire (Channing Tatum).

Her sun-filled days and psychedelic-tinged nights among the rich and influential slowly turn into a nightmare.

Casting the Magic Mike star, known for playing dancers with hearts of gold as well as lovable goofballs, against type was a strategic part of Kravitz’s plan to make the audience understand why Ackie’s character would go to a private island with a stranger.

“Where Frida started is very close to my own experience — wanting to be an actor, working side jobs with no access to this world … having this high desire and high ambition and feeling so frustrated that it felt like it would take a miracle for it to happen,” she said.

As she begins to question her surroundings, things get drastically worse.

Zoë Kravitz grew up surrounded by powerful people.

Ackie also drew inspiration from her own life in her starring role as Frida, a waitress who’s eager to mingle with the powerful.

As the movie progresses, Tatum’s charming character is slowly revealed to be evil.

“I knew he had to feel safe … and charismatic,” Kravitz explained.

Tatum told Yahoo Entertainment that he wasn’t seeking out a role that subverted what his audience might expect from him — he was just excited about the project.

“I think maybe my representation … they wish I would plan things out a little more.

“She’s just an obsessive person, in the best possible way.

The appreciation is mutual.

During Kravitz’s speech at an Aug.8 screening of Blink Twice, Kravitz took a moment to thank Tatum for his support during the filmmaking process.