The Invisible Man

Directed by Leigh Whannell, The Invisible Man is a fresh, spine-chilling addition to the sci-fi, horror and thriller genres. Released in 2020, it stars the talented Elisabeth Moss, Oliver Jackson-Cohen, and Harriet Dyer. This film reimagines H.G. Wells' classic tale with a modern twist, and within the context of the current social climate.

The film sets the stage with Cecilia Kass, essayed by Moss, in an emotionally and physically abusive relationship with tech mogul Adrian Griffin, convincingly played by Jackson-Cohen. Cecilia is a smart, resourceful woman who devises a nerve-wracking plan to escape her tormentor in the dead of the night. The audience can't help but feel her raw fear and desperation in this scene, thanks largely to Moss' haunting performance.

Once she manages to escape, she seeks refuge in a friend's house. James Lanier, played by Aldis Hodge, is a San Francisco cop and Cecilia's rock-solid friend. He lives with his teenage daughter Sydney, portrayed by Storm Reid. These characters add an additional layer of humane security providing a stark contrast to what Cecilia had experienced before.

The film escalates when Cecilia receives news of her abusive ex’s suicide, leaving her a hefty part of his fortune. However, things take a grim turn almost immediately. Cecilia finds herself being haunted by a series of inexplicable and menacing incidents, causing her life to spiral out of control—pushing her to question her sanity.

Elisabeth Moss delivers a performance that ranges from the terrified to the tenacious. As Cecilia fights against an unseen enemy, Moss remarkably captures a gaslighting victim’s descent into paranoia but with an enduring spirit. The emotional trauma and mental turmoil that she portrays are deeply palpable, leading viewers to identify with her trauma and root for her survival.

As the villain of the story, Jackson-Cohen creates a chilling portrayal of an abusive control freak, relying more on his voice and menacing presence than physically appearing on screen. This makes his character more daunting, as he creates substantial terror out of his invisibility.

Issues of control, abuse, and dominance are pivotal to the narrative of The Invisible Man. It stays true to the horror genre on the surface but digs deeper into a psychological thriller with the underlying themes. There's also an engaging mystery element that will keep viewers on the edge of their seats, speculating the 'invisible' adversary's next move.

Indeed, director Leigh Whannel deserves praise for his clever usage of CGI and special effects to bring the "invisible" villain to life. The sporadic appearances of the invisible man are executed flawlessly, maintaining a subtle balance to prevent it from turning into a spectacle. Strategically placed camera angles and a chilling score composed by Benjamin Wallfisch intensify every scene and amplify the sense of impending doom.

The screenplay offers a gripping narrative supplemented by intense moments of silence, developing a sense of anticipation that keeps the audience hooked. All these elements are masterfully woven together by Whannel to deliver a cohesive narrative that is not only thrilling but also thought-provoking.

In essence, The Invisible Man serves more than just a retelling of the science-fiction classic—it elevates the story into an exploration of modern themes like gaslighting and psychological warfare in abusive relationships. Its powerful performances, particularly from Elisabeth Moss, as well as its solid direction and impressive visual effects create a cinematic experience that is as deeply unsettling as it is entertaining.

Despite its title, The Invisible Man presents a narrative that can't be unseen or easily forgotten. It is a cautionary tale of manipulation and control artfully hidden within an exciting and suspenseful thriller. It is a movie that manages to be both a commentary on timely societal issues and a high-quality addition to the horror-thriller genre, ensuring that audiences will be fully invested from start to finish.