‘Invisible Man’ Review – A Terrifying Monster Movie for Modern Times
Check out this The Invisible Man review before you pay for a rental.
The adaptation puts a chilling, modern twist on the classic sci-fi tale. Cecilia Kass is trapped in a violent and controlling relationship with a wealthy and brilliant scientist, Adrian Griffin. She manages to escape in the dead of night and goes into hiding with the help of her sister and a close friend. While she’s recovering Cecilia’s ex kills himself and leaves her a large portion of his fortune. She is convinced that his death is a hoax when a series of eerie coincidences happen. Things turn lethal and the lives of those she loves are threatened by an invisible perpetrator.
The Invisible Man Review
The new adaptation of H.G. Wells’ novel is written, directed and executive produced by Leigh Whannell (one of the creators of the Saw franchise). I’m thankful for both his lead on this and Elizabeth Moss’ performance. They make what could have been an offensive mess into one of the best thrillers of the last several years. Due to its well-known story, it is a bit predictable at times but the movie still gets some twists in.
Blumhouse has pulled off what Universal hasn’t been able to do alone. It takes a monster and exchanges it for a real-life fear.
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Elisabeth Moss gives a layered performance of a tortured woman who is pushed to her limits and beyond. She’s amazing with facial expressions and they really bring Cecilia’s distress and frustration to the screen. You can feel her desperation. The range she uses and how she turns on a dime is fantastic. The Invisible Man wouldn’t be nearly as good without her.
The way writer/director Leigh Whannell uses seemingly empty space and the slightest of sounds in this movie is brilliant. He plays with our paranoia and our fear that someone is watching us. It really puts the audience on a constant edge, just like in Cecilia. We know there’s something not right, but there’s nothing there when the lights turn on or a blanket gets thrown on it.
The movie is very effective at gaslighting its audience – making everything feel off-kilter from start to climax.
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The Monster
The Invisible Man is an examination of domestic abuse. The movie shows how it affects its victims even after they’ve physically gotten away from their abuser. The movie shows both aspects – the pain and fear, as well as the struggle to get out from under it. We watch Cecelia fight to get out of a dangerous situation while everyone questions her (which is not unlike what many victims of domestic abuse deal with). It’s more than metaphorical. It matches reality.
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Should I See It?
I really liked this movie for its realism and amazing performances, but it comes with a caveat. If you’ve experienced intimate partner violence and/or stalking be very careful because it contains a litany of triggers. Your safety is more important than seeing this movie.
If that’s not you – yes. Go see it. The Invisible Man has stellar performances and manages to create tension out of thin air. It will keep you on the edge of your seat and you’ll come away with a new understanding.
