The Invisible Man
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 film series, it follows a woman who, after the suicide of her abusive boyfriend, believes she is being stalked by him.
She ultimately deduces that he has acquired the ability to become invisible.
The film stars Elisabeth Moss, Aldis Hodge, Storm Reid, Harriet Dyer, Michael Dorman, and Oliver Jackson-Cohen.
Originally intended to be part of the Dark Universe, this one turns up as a stand alone entry
Being helmed by Whannell(better known as Wan’s writing partner) who directed the gleefully wicked Upgrade, the expectations soar
So, does he deliver?
Let’s Find Out!
What Doesn’t Work?
- There are a few plot holes that glare out of the script
- These are the one’s that tend to defy logic
- The movie would end halfway if these loop holes were addressed
So, what works?
- Whannell’s direction beautifully captures the dread that comes with some one stalking you
- The sense of some one constantly having eyes on you is unnerving
- The narrative captures this magnificently with some deft camerawork(Stefan Duscio)
- It is done through moments where the camera pans out from the characters in the frame
- This leads to corners, nooks and crannies in focus
- There is nothing in sight, yet you keep looking trying to spot something
- The psychological effect that Whannell achieves with this ruse is exquisite
- It relays the protagonist’s fears on to the audiences
- Some of the moments are awe and shock one’s
- Whannell achieves this by inducing shock when you’re least expecting it
- The overall VFX and CGI is immaculate and believable
- It convinces that there is truly an invisible presence creating havoc
The Performances?
- All the actors essay their roles with aplomb
- Jackson-Cohen as the tormentor is stone cold and incorrigible as the person who lives to control
- Finally, Elisabeth Moss delivers a knock out performance
- The terror, fear, hopelessness are captured innocuously with conviction
- She strikes the perfect balance of some one on edge and trying to remain sane
- The point of insanity is delivered with finesse by Moss
- She successfully manages to display the scars of a battered, abused and traumatised partner
The Verdict?
The Invisible Man is a fine entrant in the horror/thriller genre
It deserves to be seen in theaters because of:
- The Performances
- The Gripping Narrative