The Invisible Man

What you can’t see can hurt you…

When her abusive boyfriend commits suicide, a woman becomes convinced that he has found a way to torment her as an evil invisible presence.

Cecilia Kass (Elisabeth Moss) has suffered unimaginable anguish at the hands of her partner Adrian, a brilliant scientist, for several years. He monitors her every move with dozens of well-placed security cameras in their shared home. He dictates what she wears, what she eats, and where she goes. Fed up with the emotional and physical abuse, Cecilia flees in the middle of the night.

After spending a couple of weeks holed up at the home of her cop friend James (an incredibly swole Aldis Hodge), Cecilia’s sister Emily arrives with the news that Adrian was found dead of an apparent suicide. Initially, Cecilia is very skeptical, but after visiting the attorney for his estate and learning she will receive a $5 million payout, she gradually adjusts to the idea of sweet, sweet freedom.

Just as she begins to settle into a normal life, inexplicable events begin happening in James’ home that gradually grow in intensity. First, it’s missing silverware appearing in an impossible place, then it’s Cecilia sensing someone in the room sitting in a chair or on a couch, followed by people actually getting hurt. Unable to convince anyone that Adrian is behind these events, Cecilia must go up against him alone once more and find a way to finally beat him.

I had relatively low expectations going into The Invisible Man, however, I thoroughly enjoyed every second of this horror/thriller. It works on every level. From the incredible acting, to the meaty script, the flawless direction, the artful use of “jump scares”, and even the long camera pans that are steeped in suspense and tension….it’s a work of art.

Moss never misses. Her performance as a battered woman fighting for her life is powerful. We see her character’s pain, her determination, her resilience, and it really makes the audience root for her in every single frame. Within her first 5 minutes onscreen, you’re hoping she succeeds, and you’re sitting on the edge of your seat almost willing her to win. Moss gives her such depth and credibility that when she’s being gaslighted, you feel crazy too, hoping and praying other characters will finally see what she sees. IMO this character is the strongest female protagonist we’ve seen onscreen so far this year!

The story feels very modern and realistic, to which credit undoubtedly goes to writer/director Leigh Whannell. It’s also worth mentioning how well the different actors respond to this invisible force and the things it does, which again most of that praise has to go to Whannell. This film doesn’t feel cheesy and it just has a tendency of sneaking up on you through the use of the musical score and even the prolonged silences. You constantly find that your eyes are roaming the screen looking for proof that dead Adrian really is responsible.

Everyone gives a solid performance and since it’s a relatively small cast, I think that was doubly important. Hodge’s character is dependable and willing to help his friend as she works through her issues, but when his teenage daughter Sydney (Storm Reid) is affected, he quickly loses his patience. Emily (Harriet Dyer) is also open and understanding at first, but then their sisterly relationship implodes, leaving Cecilia all alone to uncover just what is happening around her.

Most films require for us to suspend our disbelief in order to enjoy them and that’s certainly true for this one as well. However, there are so few flaws in logic that they really don’t resonate until you think about them later. Nothing spoils the moment to moment experience in The Invisible Man.

If you like a good thriller and have some time this weekend, I highly recommend you check this out on the big screen. It’s a rewarding watch that will have you engaged and invested from start to finish!

What are some films that you’re looking forward to seeing this year? Let me know in the comments down below!

 

If you or someone you know is trapped in an abusive relationship, please call the National Domestic Violence Hotline and get help today. No one deserves to be in a relationship that is unsafe, unhealthy, and /or violent. Visit the website or call 1-800-799-7233 today. Take your power back!