Zoe Kravitz, daughter of Lenny, has grown up in a world of privilege and glamour. So it makes sense that it – and the monsters that lurk within – is what she explores in her first film as director: a psychological thriller set on the private island of a tech bro billionaire and a deeply entertaining, if flimsy, story of feminist, eat-the-rich revenge. Frida (Naomi Ackie) is a minimum-wage worker for a catering company and a part-time nail technician, living with her bestie Jess (Alia Shawkat).
At one of the events she’s working, she hits it off with Slater King, the aforementioned billionaire played by Channing Tatum with characteristic loose, swaggering charm. Seemingly on a whim, he invites Frida and Jess along with a small group of friends to his tropical island. Upon arrival, Frida and her friends must deposit their phones into a bag and give them to Slater’s assistant (played by a manic Geena Davis in a fun, small role).
This is ostensibly to create a relaxed atmosphere, and cut down on the complications of real life. The same goes for the identical matching white outfits for female guests – white bikinis and sarongs for day and white cocktail dresses for night, as though they’re in a spa. It’s weird, but maybe it’s just how rich people operate, Frida reasons to her friend.
Here is where this turns from a funny, rollicking film, capturing the luxury of an endless beach holiday with a “tsunami of champagne” and boutique drugs, into something overwhelmi.