Zoë Kravitz has already established herself as an actress to watch, especially in recent films like “The Batman” and “Kimi.”

Now Kravitz steps behind the camera and shows her future is just as bright as her work in front, with her sensational directorial debut “Blink Twice.” Working from a script that she co-wrote with E.T. Feigenbaum, Kravitz shows a keen visual eye and a master sense of pacing – creating a highly effective, star-studded thriller that is also a razor-sharp social commentary.

In “Blink Twice,” Channing Tatum plays Slater King, a tech billionaire with a bit of a checkered past that he appears to have made amends for.

During a fundraiser, Slater meets a cocktail waitress named Frida (Naomi Ackie). The two hit it off in their brief encounter, prompting Slater to invite Frida and her friend Jess (Alia Shawkat) to his private island.

Frida and Jess agree, joining several of Slater’s friends (Christian Slater, Simon Rex, Haley Joel Osment) and several other female invitees, including a former reality show star named Sarah (Adria Ajona in a nice follow-up from her breakout performance in “The Hitman.”)

The guest list also includes Slater’s sister and absent-minded personal assistant (Geena Davis), with an occasional visit from his therapist (Kyle MacLachlen).

At first, the private island is a paradise, where the days blend together with good food, champagne and drugs. But Frida begins to suspect that everything is not quite what it seems.

“Blink Twice” has a lot of elements in play from other material – a bit of “Get Out” mixed with the surrealism of an Ari Aster film. While the beats may be familiar, Kravitz’s eye behind the camera gives it a fresh spin – a cornucopia of beauty and colors that when peeled away reveals something much darker and sinister.

The social commentary, particularly drawing from the “Me Too” movement, is on point – bringing to light issues ranging from power and control to the roles of women in society. It all comes together in a bloody final act that could have easily went off the rails, but Kravitz deftly steers it into the dock with an emphatic final scene.

Ackie is very good as the anchor of this cast, but everyone gets their respective moments. Tatum plays off his public persona quite well to find the kind of performance that Josh Hartnett was aiming for in “Trap.” Ajona is very good as well, taking her character in some surprising places.

It’s a credit to Kravitz that this story comes together so seamlessly. This is the kind of directorial debut that signals the arrival of a very talented filmmaker. I can’t wait to see what Kravitz does next.

If You Go
“Blink Twice”
Starring: Naomi Ackie, Channing Tatum
Directed by: Zoë Kravitz
Rating: R for strong violent content, sexual assault, drug use, language throughout and some sexual references
Playing at: Regal Bowling Green Stadium 12, Regal Greenwood Mall Stadium 10, Highland Cinemas (Glasgow)
Grade: B+