Cinema has long been a powerful medium that captivates audiences with its storytelling, evocative visuals, and emotional depth. However, as movies increasingly tackle complex and sensitive subjects, the need for trigger warnings has become a vital consideration. Zoë Kravitz’s Blink Twice is the latest film to address this issue, issuing a trigger warning ahead of its release. This move follows criticism faced by the recent film It Ends With Us for not being sufficiently upfront about its mature themes.
Get Ready To Blink Twice
Blink Twice is a psychological thriller that dives deep into the abuse of power. The film follows Frida, a cocktail waitress, played by Naomi Ackie, who finds herself on a private island owned by tech billionaire Slater King, played by Channing Tatum. Strange occurrences on the island prompt Frida to uncover dark truths if she wants to leave the island alive. The film, directed by Zoë Kravitz, tackles intense themes such as violence and sexual assault, which necessitated the trigger warning.
The Importance Of Trigger Warnings
Trigger warnings serve as a preemptive notice to audiences about potentially distressing content. They are particularly important in films dealing with issues like violence, sexual assault, and other traumatic experiences. By providing a warning, filmmakers can help viewers make informed decisions about whether or not to engage with the content.
Blink Twice‘s Trigger Warning
On August 21ST, Zoë Kravitz’s Blink Twice issued a trigger warning on its official social media accounts. The statement read, “We are proud to finally share Blink Twice with audiences in theaters worldwide this week. Blink Twice is a psychological thriller about the abuse of power. While this is a fictionalized movie, it contains mature themes and depictions of violence — including sexual violence. This may be upsetting or triggering for some viewers. For resources that offer support, visit BlinkTwiceResources.com“.
The Criticism Faced By It Ends With Us
The decision to issue a trigger warning for Blink Twice comes after backlash over the film It Ends With Us, which was criticized for not adequately addressing its depiction of domestic violence. The film, starring Blake Lively and directed by Justin Baldoni, included a message in its end credits offering support to individuals experiencing domestic violence. However, many critics argued that this was too little, too late.
Insights From Experts
Bridgette Stumpf, founder and executive director of the Network for Victim Recovery of DC (NVRDC), expressed disappointment over the handling of the subject matter in It Ends With Us. In an essay for The Hollywood Reporter, she wrote that the film “ultimately fails the survivors it is supposed to advocate for” by glossing over its domestic violence content in its marketing and providing insufficient content warnings.
The Importance Of Immediate Resources
According to Stumpf, the lack of immediate resources for survivors at the end of It Ends With Us was a significant oversight. While the film did provide an end credits message directing viewers to nomore.org, this came after many audience members had already left the theater. Immediate access to resources is important for those who may be triggered by the film’s content.
Blake Lively’s Perspective
Blake Lively, who plays the lead character Lily Bloom in It Ends With Us, spoke about the themes of the film at its London premiere. She emphasized that the movie covers domestic violence, but also highlights her character’s resilience and strength. Lively stated, “She’s not defined by something that someone else did to her or an event that happened to her, even if it’s multiple events. She defines herself“.
In addition to the end credits message, Blake Lively used her Instagram Stories to share resources for survivors of domestic violence. She posted information about the National Domestic Violence Hotline and provided links for immediate support.
The Impact Of Trigger Warnings, Ratings, And Content Descriptions On Viewers
Understanding the content of a film before viewing it is essential for making informed choices. It Ends With Us is rated PG-13 for domestic violence, sexual content, and some strong language, while Blink Twice is rated R for strong violent content, sexual assault, drug use, and language throughout. These ratings help set expectations for audiences about the nature of the material they will encounter.
Trigger warnings can have a significant impact on viewers, particularly those who have experienced trauma. By providing advance notice, filmmakers can help viewers prepare for potentially distressing content or choose to avoid it altogether. This consideration can enhance the overall viewing experience and ensure that audiences feel respected and cared for.
The Balance Between Artistic Expression and Viewer Sensitivity
Filmmakers often face the challenge of balancing artistic expression with viewer sensitivity. While it is important to tell authentic and compelling stories, it is equally crucial to consider the potential impact on audiences. Trigger warnings offer a way to achieve this balance, allowing filmmakers to create impactful content while respecting the needs of their viewers.
The discussion around trigger warnings in cinema is likely to continue as more films tackle complex and sensitive subjects. By incorporating trigger warnings, filmmakers can demonstrate a commitment to viewer well-being and create a more inclusive and supportive environment for all audiences.
With that being said, Zoë Kravitz’s Blink Twice has set a positive example by issuing a trigger warning ahead of its release, addressing the need for sensitivity around mature themes. This move follows the criticism faced by It Ends With Us, highlighting the importance of providing adequate warnings and resources for viewers. As the film industry continues to evolve, the incorporation of trigger warnings will play an important role in making sure that cinema remains a powerful, yet respectful, medium for storytelling.
For Resources And Support
For more information on resources and support, visit BlinkTwiceResources.com or nomore.org. Let’s continue to work together to create a safe and inclusive environment for all film enthusiasts.
