K.T Simpson
After being ‘blessed’ with a few questionable horrors over the last few years, it’s nice to finally acknowledge a film that actually embodies what a horror/thriller should excel in: frightening tension, shiver-down-your-spine scares and a storyline that actually has you hooked until the bitter end. Gratefully, Leigh Whannell has created “The Invisible Man”, which serves up all these offerings and so much more.
A twist on the original tale by H.G. Wells, “The Invisible Man” begins with Cecilia Kass (Elisabeth Moss) escaping the clutches of an abusive relationship with partner Adrian (Oliver Jackson-Cohen ). The edge of your seat tension begins straight up, and it’s one of the most effective themes in the film – when each scene leaves you sweating like you’ve run a 5k from the very beginning, you know you’re onto a winner. After learning about Adrian’s death, Cecilia finally begins to relax and get back to normal life, but soon starts questioning if he is actually still alive, with strange things happening to her and the people around her.
Of course the themes present in “The Invisible Man” extend much further than the typical “Paranormal Activity” ones – the deeper subtext of gas lighting, domestic abuse and PTSD play a huge part in the movie, which truly sets it apart from many other modern day horror/thrillers (which to be honest, have largely been a disappointment).
The true joy (for lack of a better word) in “The Invisible Man” is that if you’re a lover of the more scary film genre, there is something to satisfy every appetite. Tension and spine-tingling silences? You got it. Jump scares and a killer soundtrack to boot? Have some of that too. And if you’re a fan of just the good old fashioned blood and gore – you’ve got that served up on a silver platter. The deeper themes that I could only describe as a ‘mind fuck’ is the bit that really excels it into one of the better films in this genre.
It’s no surprise though, with Whannell cementing himself as an expert in the field and a truly great director. This is shown through expertly crafted camera shots, the perfect soundtrack and an awesome script.
In saying that, what you must truly appreciate is Moss as the lead. If you ever had doubts of her abilities to play a character in any genre she chooses, “The Invisible Man” will ease those questions – she is truly iconic. The scream queen of 2020! The supporting cast including Aldis Hodge as James Lanier, a childhood friend of Cecilia, and Storm Reid as Sydney Lanier, the daughter of James, are particularly notable, as they add a lot to the story and basically are great actors.
Arm yourself with a spare pair of pants and see “The Invisible Man” on the big screen – every single part of it is something worthy of the true theatric experience.
