The Invisible Man is a Thrilling and Exhilarating Masterpiece of Terror | Film Review

The Invisible Man has been an iconic horror character since its written inception in 1897 and the many proceeding works in film and television. However, none of them have taken the property to new imaginative lengths the way that Leigh Whannell does in his 2020 take on The Invisible Man.

Utilizing her small circle of support, Cecilia (Elisabeth Moss) is finally ready to make the brave and bold move of leaving her abusive partner, the overbearingly manipulative Adrian (Oliver Jackson-Cohen), to find solace. A rich and technologically savvy inventor, Adrian turns up dead and leaves Cecilia $5 million. At first, she cannot believe her fortune and rewards everyone who helped her escape. Soon, though, she begins to believe his death was actually a hoax, and this was all an elaborate plan to stalk and torture her. Most notably, she thinks he’s found a way to render himself… invisible.

The Invisible Man (2020) delivers on every note, exceeding expectations. Writer/Director, Leigh Whannell (Upgrade, Saw, Insidious), triumphs with blood-pumping, heart-racing tension that builds as tall as mountains. From the fade-in, we are met with this suspense that creeps and crawls and leaves us gripping our fists. Yet, somehow, Whannell’s talent becomes unmatched as every moment of potential predictability subverts our every expectation.

Looking back, this subversion happens time and time again, but never in an unmethodical way. It comes so naturally, those moments, and all falls into place the way it was intended to, despite us not envisioning the trajectory. The strategy Whannell uses to convey this premise is brilliant, shining a light on the many complexities of domestic abuse, manipulation, and fear.

As Cecilia attempts to disentangle the mystery behind who or what is watching her every move, she becomes faced with equal consequences. The stakes are very real in The Invisible Man and grow at a perfect pace. Unfortunately for her, no one believes her story and she’s deemed a “psycho loony”, more or less. To be fair, she is screaming at everyone that her dead ex is alive and invisible, which certainly doesn’t stand out as mentally stable.

Moss’ acting techniques – often fighting with herself – are on par with every other piece of remarkable work she’s done and then some. Elisabeth’s faithful imitation of an abused woman will leave goosebumps on your arms and up your spine. Every moment of fright and panic is real to her and the mannerisms in which she portrays it are eerily relatable.

Elisabeth Moss is not alone in spectacular performances, though. Cecilia’s cop friend, James (Aldis Hodge), and his daughter Sydney (Storm Reid) are both thrilling additions, adding humility and laughter to a story that is so dark. Oliver Jackson-Cohen reminds us of his talent (Haunting of Hill House‘s Luke Crain) with a performance that drips of menace.

Whannell and Moss are a complementary match for a horror/thriller such as this, as the two seem to assimilate one another’s approach. Cecilia’s first cautious step to the mailbox is handled painstakingly, as the sound goes mute and we hear what a trauma victim would in that moment of terror.

You’ll be hard pressed to find ways for improving The Invisible Man. The script is sound – even an ending that works like a dream – the casting and performances are impeccable, and the excellent use of tension is mind-boggling.

The Invisible Man is a thrilling and exhilarating masterpiece of terror that, unlike its elusive title character, should never go unseen.