The Invisible Man is a 2020 science fiction horror film
written and directed by Leigh Whannell. A contemporary adaptation of the novel
of the same name by H. G. Wells and a reboot of The Invisible Man
Director: Leigh Whannell
Cast: Elisabeth Moss, Aldis Hodge, Storm Reid, Harriet Dyer,
Oliver Jackson-Cohen
Release Date: February 28, 2020
Genres: Horror, Mystery, Sci-Fi
Rated R for disturbing violence, some bloody images,
language and brief nudity
Runtime: 2h 5min
Review:
The opening of The Invisible Man might give you flashback of Julia Roberts' very 90s thriller Sleeping with The Enemy. Leigh Whannell sets the stage nicely for the this reboot which changes the basis of the story, making it timely and effective. Whannell shows a talent for crafting impressive shots that create tension without falling back on cheap jump scares, even though there are a handful of those. The film is a slow burn and it at its best during the first two thirds of the film. During that time, the pervasive and ever present sensation of being watched is ever present on Elisabeth Moss's character. Moss, whose mastered playing frayed tortured woman, is perfectly suited for the role. Her performance carries the film making it far more impactful than it would have been in lesser hands. She's always the most interesting thing on screen which is an impressive task considering she's reacting to nothing for the better part of the film. Aldis Hodge is strong in a supporting role even though you are left wishing he'd been given a bit more to do. Thematically the story works as a horror show for the women who've been abused or stalked but it's final act suffers a bit as the sci-fi portion of the story is resolved. The final showdown is predictable from the start, so much so that you wish Whannell had played a bit more with the main character's state of mind. A bit more ambiguity would have given the film even more impact but still you have to respect how well this reboot pull off the 90s thriller vibe.
The opening of The Invisible Man might give you flashback of Julia Roberts' very 90s thriller Sleeping with The Enemy. Leigh Whannell sets the stage nicely for the this reboot which changes the basis of the story, making it timely and effective. Whannell shows a talent for crafting impressive shots that create tension without falling back on cheap jump scares, even though there are a handful of those. The film is a slow burn and it at its best during the first two thirds of the film. During that time, the pervasive and ever present sensation of being watched is ever present on Elisabeth Moss's character. Moss, whose mastered playing frayed tortured woman, is perfectly suited for the role. Her performance carries the film making it far more impactful than it would have been in lesser hands. She's always the most interesting thing on screen which is an impressive task considering she's reacting to nothing for the better part of the film. Aldis Hodge is strong in a supporting role even though you are left wishing he'd been given a bit more to do. Thematically the story works as a horror show for the women who've been abused or stalked but it's final act suffers a bit as the sci-fi portion of the story is resolved. The final showdown is predictable from the start, so much so that you wish Whannell had played a bit more with the main character's state of mind. A bit more ambiguity would have given the film even more impact but still you have to respect how well this reboot pull off the 90s thriller vibe.
B+
