Kubrick. Tarantino. Peele. And now, Kravitz? With her directorial debut—a gripping psychological thriller titled Blink Twice—Zoë Kravitz is carving a new path as a creative powerhouse. Over two days in New York, she opens up about her journey, fears, and the evolution of her artistry.
Zoë Kravitz recalls a moment from her childhood with startling clarity. She was nine years old, dressed in a pinstripe suit with a fake mustache, performing a lip-synced routine to Brandy and Monica’s “The Boy Is Mine” in front of her grieving mother and family friends. The occasion? Her grandmother’s funeral. Her goal? To make her mother laugh.
And she succeeded. The crowd erupted into laughter, her mother included. Afterward, Zoë turned to her mom and, in her innocent yet profound way, said, “Mama, don’t be sad. For all we know, death is fun.”
Even now, at 35, Kravitz finds humor in that memory. That blend of surreal humor and deep introspection has defined much of her life, helping her navigate personal struggles, professional rejection, and public scrutiny. It’s also a central element of Blink Twice, her bold cinematic debut.
A Movie That Demands Attention
Blink Twice, a project nearly a decade in the making, is not just a psychological thriller—it’s a provocative social critique. Oscillating between satire, slapstick, and moments of raw terror, the film doesn’t shy away from challenging its audience. Comparisons to Jordan Peele’s Get Out feel inevitable, as both movies use genre storytelling to spark conversation.
For Kravitz, this film is more than just a directorial debut; it’s an invitation to rethink who she is as an artist. “I feel like my brain is being exposed to the world,” she admits, describing the process as both terrifying and liberating.
The Woman Behind the Image
To the public, Zoë Kravitz embodies coolness—boho-chic with an edge. Her tattoos, her striking resemblance to her mother, Lisa Bonet, and her father Lenny Kravitz’s rock-star aura all contribute to this image. But beneath that surface lies a deeply introspective and fiercely private individual.
“I protect myself,” Kravitz says, explaining why she’s often reserved. While her public persona radiates confidence, she reveals a long history of self-doubt. “I’ve struggled with insecurities and anxieties—sometimes it’s hard to even step outside.”
Her guarded nature extends to her relationships. Growing up, she witnessed her father’s openness and generosity being exploited. It taught her to be discerning, to recognize ulterior motives quickly.
Finding Her Voice
Kravitz has always been in the public eye, but her fame hasn’t always been comfortable. Early in her career, she sought recognition on her own terms, craving an identity beyond “Lenny Kravitz’s daughter.” Over time, though, the pressure to maintain a public image began to weigh on her.
After facing backlash for her criticism of the 2022 Oscars incident between Will Smith and Chris Rock, she took a step back from social media, handing control of her accounts to her team. Now, with Blink Twice on the horizon, she’s embracing her public platform with renewed purpose.
Promoting the film is essential, she acknowledges, even if it means revealing more of herself. “I felt like I should just let people experience the movie,” she says. “But I also realized, promoting it is important—it’s part of the process.”
Redefining Her Legacy
With Blink Twice, Kravitz is stepping into a new chapter of her career. The film’s rawness, humor, and bold critique of societal norms reflect her unique worldview. It’s not just a movie; it’s a statement.
Zoë Kravitz is no longer content to be defined by her lineage or her roles onscreen. Through her art, she’s challenging the world to see her differently—not just as an actress, but as a fearless creator unafraid to bare her mind and soul.
And if Blink Twice is any indication, her journey as a filmmaker is just beginning.
