by Daniel Andrade
Courtesy of Blumhouse Productions
The latest interpretation of H.G. Wells’s classic horror story The Invisible Man was recently released for rental so that, despite theaters closing around the world, cinephiles like myself could enjoy this film in the comfort of their own homes. So thanks to that, I’m writing another Review Rewind for you!
I am once again not familiar with the source material of the book or the previous film adaptations of this classic story, but that did not prevent me from thoroughly enjoying this film. I’m a big fan of horror/thriller films that mess with your head and build up tension without the need for monsters or jump scares; when you’re left to imagine what is out there, that’s when you can truly terrify yourself. This movie does a phenomenal job of that from the start, lingering on these long, quiet shots that make the viewer feel nervous and afraid, even if there is nothing there (that we can see at least). That sense of paranoia is a driving force in this movie, and is created brilliantly through its unwavering cinematography and the powerful acting (more on that shortly). Additionally, there are subtle sounds you can hear throughout the movie, sounds that repeat themselves and once again make the viewer feel in their gut that something is there, without any visual proof to back that up. Furthermore, these shots and sounds make the viewer feel uncomfortable because they are so voyeuristic, and make it feel as if we are watching something we shouldn’t be seeing, or creepily staring without averting our gaze. It’s a phenomenal way of making this such a profoundly unsettling movie to watch at times, which makes it that much more frightening.
While all of the above alone would make for a great film, this movie is taken to the next level thanks to the phenomenal acting of Elizabeth Moss (Mad Men, The Handmaid’s Tale, Us). Moss is absolutely captivating in this role. Her moments of (apparent) madness are devastating to watch, her bravery and fierceness in the face of an invisible predator is intense, and her crippling fear and paranoia is portrayed in a harrowing way. Her facial tics and calm, deliberate tone are contrasted fiercely with her screams of abject terror and her anger at her unseeable stalker. Seeing her fight against a ghostly enemy was also frighteningly convincing and impressively acted. Michael Dorman (Patriot, Wonderland) does a great job as well in his limited time on screen playing the sleazy brother of the “invisible man,” making the viewer immediately feel like there is just something off about him, even if we can’t quite place our finger on it. Additionally, Oliver Jackson-Cohen (The Haunting of Hill House) plays an excellent villain and is disturbing and unsettling in the few scenes we see with him as well. We know how dangerous and monstrous he is all before he becomes invisible. When he does gain that ability, it makes him even more of a threat than he already was
The film also does an excellent job of making this 123-year-old story relevant. While previous iterations of this story have focused on the invisible man himself, this film focuses around a woman who is trapped in an abusive, manipulative relationship, and even after escaping her tormentor, she still fears he could find her or her loved ones. When she claims he is still around and still torturing her, even her sister and closest friend don’t believe her, and dismiss her claims as crazy. This is an all-too-familiar story for many people who have been in a toxic relationship and can’t find the help or support they need when it matters the most. Writer/Director Leigh Whannell (Saw and Insidious franchises) is a master at creating tension and unease and has been a part of some of the more iconic horror movies of the past 20 years. This time he uses these skills to show how terrifying it is to not be believed and to have to take matters into your own hands, even when people are telling you you’re being unreasonable or overreacting. The result is an anxiety-inducing, unnerving film that we keep you on the edge of your seat all the way until the stunning conclusion.
CONCLUSION: Whannell expertly recreates a centuries-old story into a tense and unsettling sci-fi horror/thriller that is relevant to today’s audience. Moss’s incredibly powerful performance accentuates the paranoia and discomfort that is already created by the creepy, lingering camera shots and subtle audio clues that let us know something is hiding in plain sight. Like many of the best horror movies of all time, it sticks with you long after the credits roll.
FINAL SCORE: 4.5/5
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