When you get offered something that seems to be too good to be true, it usually is. The question is if you can live with the twist on the offer. That’s the case with a new thriller, Blink Twice, which is now in theaters.

 Frida (Naomi Ackie) is a catering staff member working a big gala for the charitable foundation run by Slater King (Channing Tatum). She’s got a gift with nails, but otherwise is a bit lost. She’s also near broke, scrapping by with her friend, roommate, and co-worker, Jess (Alia Shawkat). But Frida has a surprise. She has used the last of her money to buy elegant dresses for herself and Jess as they try to sneak into the social mixer part of the night.

Frida makes an impression, but not the one she intended. Still, it catches Slater King’s eye. Soon, as the party breaks up, he invites Frida and Jess to accompany him and a group of friends to his private island. The ladies agree and quickly find themselves in what seems like an all-expenses paid paradise.

But, after something happens to Jess, Frida begins to have misgivings. Turns out she’s not the only one. Soon, another guest, Sarah (Adria Arjona), begins to have some weird feelings. Together, they begin to unravel the mystery. Can they come together to change their fate and take back the night?

This film marks the directorial debut of Zoe Kravitz, based on a script she co-wrote with E.T. Feigenbaum. It’s a sharp concept that has some strong characters and a good cast. But it takes its time to get to the point. Perhaps taking too long.

In addition to Ackie, Tatum, Shawkat, and Arjona, the cast includes Christian Slater, Geena Davis, Simon Rex, and Haley Joel Osment, among others. It’s a good group and a good location. At times, it feels like it could be the next set of a Benoit Blanc mystery. But the middle section takes a while.

It becomes clear later it’s meant to show something, but when you’re in the midst of it you’re just waiting for some forward momentum. Even when the momentum begins, it’s a bit of a slow build. But the reveal—and the true horror of the story—definitely draws you in. The ending also works quite well and has some fun turns.

I liked the mood and atmosphere, and I liked the final act of the film. But the soft middle was too drawn out and not interesting enough to sustain momentum.

Blink Twice is now playing nationwide.

Matthew Fox is a graduate of the Radio, Television and Film program at Biola University, and a giant nerd. He spends his free time watching movies, TV, and obsessing about football. He is a member of the FSWA. You can find him @knighthawk7734 on Twitter and as co-host of the Fantasy Football Roundtable Podcast.