As The Invisible Man the movie hits UK cinemas we take a look at this staggeringly impressive horror flick that kicks the 2020 horror slate off with a bang. Here’s our The Invisible Man review!
The Invisible Man Review: A Heart Thumpingly Suspenseful Horror
Synopsis
When Cecilia’s abusive ex takes his own life and leaves her his fortune, she suspects his death was a hoax.
As a series of coincidences turn lethal, Cecilia works to prove that she is being hunted by someone nobody can see.
Director Leigh Whannell
Leigh Whannell has been spending so much time with James Wan they’re now even directing films in the same way.
From start to finish this tense thrill ride oozes suspense. From the incredible acting of Elisabeth Moss to even the slow lingering camera shots and pans to empty space urging you to look beyond a depth of frame this film has the hallmarks of a horror classic.
Universal wanted to take the Dark Monsters cinematic universe into a different direction after Dracula fell flat and The Mummy didn’t quite hit home. Even thou I somewhat enjoyed it!
In steps Leigh Whannell to deliver this heart-thumping horror thriller where we’re thrown headfirst into the suspense.
Here we have a horror flick that contorts into this domestic violence/payback thiller.
The Invisible Man tackles narcissism, controlling behaviour, abusive relationships and even some flowing undertones of the #MeToo movement.
Now you know I’m not a big fan of political/social undertones in movies but thankfully it’s done smartly in this feature. It’s certainly more of a reflection on our behaviour rather than pushing an agenda.
What is The Invisible Man Movie About?
I can’t see any other actress than Elisabeth Moss in this role. She was THAT good.
Her story begins as she escapes from her abusive tech boyfriend’s home and becomes isolated and scared to leave the house.
Things all seem back to normal until she hears about her boyfriend’s death. Things start happening around the home and twisted mind-games are played but there’s certainly more happening here than paranoia.
The majority of the film has us questioning Cecelia’s (Elisabeth Moss) state of mind. Is she just imagining this ‘Invisible Man’?
Her mental state is far from normal after being controlled for so long. She’s fragile and she’s driving herself on a downward spiral.
Invisible Man Cinematography
As our camera POV lingers on hallways and slowly pans from one side of a room to the other my heart raced. We as an audience become paranoid. We’re inside Cecelia’s state of mind where we don’t know what’s around the corner or who’s at the end of the hallway.
It’s such a simple technique that catapults us straight into the nervous disposition she is portraying. We’re in her shoes and my chest was tight the whole way through!
In addition to the tense scenes, we’re met with a handful of scenes that fly out of left field. Like the shout at the screen ‘WTF’ moments.
Some you wouldn’t see coming a mile away and it all adds to this mental state that Cecelia finds herself in and we’re on a ride of craziness with her.
The film ends on quite the cliffhanger as we’ve been through hell and back to get to this point and the ending left me wanting.
It felt a little rushed and unexplained and it may need another viewing to wrap my head around it.
Forever questioning your own sanity from start to finish The Invisible Man is a strong first introduction (let’s pretend its the first) to the Dark Universe films for Universal.
Overall Thoughts
A little too focused on #MeToo had me knock a star-off my rating as a result.
The ending leaves much room for discussion but it’s a film that makes you think.
The Invisible Man makes you nervous and keeps you hooked from start to finish. I can’t ask for more than that from a horror film.
My chest felt instantly like a weight had been lifted off it when those creepy credits rolled.
The Invisible Man review by Sean Evans
Summary
A heart thumping thrill ride and finally the upswing Universal needed in high-quality Dark Universe content.
Carried by a nerve shredding performance from Elisabeth Moss The Invisible Man will go far. Dare I say, a horror classic?
