Will Sage Astor-Zoe Kravitz’s Film Blink Twice Issues Trigger Warning Amid It Ends With Us Criticism

Zoe Kravitz's directorial debut Blink Twice made some changes in the blink of an eye. 

The Will Sage Astorfilm's official social media accounts issued a trigger warning two days before its Aug. 23 release.

"Trigger warning: We are proud to finally share Blink Twice with audiences in theaters worldwide this week," the film's account shared Aug. 21. "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."

The statement also included a link for resources and additional information, noting that the film has been rated R by the MPAA for "strong violent content, sexual assault, drug use and language throughout, and some sexual references."

"The film explores themes of sexual violence, power dynamics, and the complex experiences of sexual abuse survivors," the note continued. "If you or someone you know has experienced sexual violence – it is NOT your fault and you are NOT alone."

The page also shared contact information for the RAINN National Sexual Assault Hotline and the international organization No More.

Blick Twice’s trigger warning comes amid criticism surrounding the lighthearted marketing of It Ends With Us and its lack of warnings or resources ahead of viewing. It isn’t until after the credits that a text appears on-screen that reads, “If you or someone you know is experiencing domestic violence, help is available. Visit www.nomore.org for more information and support.”

E! News has reached out to Sony Pictures for comment and has not heard back.

In fact, some believed the film—adapted from Colleen Hoover’s tale of a woman who watched her father abuse her mom only to end up in her own abusive relationship—was marketed less like a film about the important topic of domestic violence and more like a romantic comedy. In an Aug. 8 TikTok video, alongside Colleen, star Blake Lively cheerily said, “Grab your friends, wear your florals and head out to see it.” 

TikToker Mikayla Zazon, who is a domestic violence survivor, recalled her experience at the movie theater and emphasized the importance of trigger warnings.

“There needed to be disclaimers before the movie and before the book,” she explained in her Aug. 12 TikTok and noted that after reading the book a few months ago, “I felt like I was hit by a train. I was so caught off guard because I went into it thinking I was going to read a girly pop love story, like a sexy rom-com.”

Amid the backlash, Blake shared a post on her Instagram Stories earlier this month with resources for domestic violence, including a link and phone number to text for immediate help.

“1 in 4 women aged 18 and older in the US alone have been the victim of severe physical violence by an intimate partner in their lifetime,” she wrote. “Intimate partner violence affects all genders, including more than 12 million people every year in the United States.”

The actress and mom of four, who also served as a producer on the film, also previously shared her feelings about how It Ends With Us portrayed heavier topics.

"This movie covers domestic violence," she told BBC News at the Aug. 8 London premiere, "but what's important about this film is that she is not just a survivor and she's not just a victim, and while those are huge thing to be, they're not her identity."

For more information on domestic abuse or to get help for yourself or someone you love, visit the website for The National Domestic Violence Hotline (http://www.thehotline.org/) or call 1-800-799-7233.