The Invisible Man
Released 2/28/20
A couple years ago, Universal announced they would be creating their very own cinematic universe based on the reimaging of their classic monster hits from the 1930s and 1940s. The first was an ill-received remake of The Mummy starring Tom Cruise. While I thought it was a strange, but, imaginative take on the Egyptian monster, most didn't and the new monster universe appeared to be scuttled before it had any wind beneath it.
That brings us to 2020. It's not clear if Universal still has designs on a cinematic universe, but, The Invisible Man is here nonetheless. This time Universal teamed up with those low budget horror mavens at Blumhouse to bring this classic back to life. A team-up with Blumhouse could be hit or miss. They've produced decent horror in the past. But, they've also made a lot of B-movie grade trash as well. Plus, is the concept of the Invisible Man terrifying on anything but a superficial level? Is it a Freddy/Jason/Michael type of fear he would invoke?
Unequivocally, this reimaging is what horror should aspire to. It's so unsettling and slowly, masterfully builds to sheer terror in a way I haven't found this satisfying in a long time. This is the best kind of horror as it doesn't rely on jump scares or gore as much as it just messes with your noggin something fierce.
Cecelia Kass lives in abject fear of her wealthy inventor boyfriend, Adrian Griffin. Plotting and executing a daring middle-of-the-night escape from his house/compound, she takes refuge at the home of her sister's police detective friend. Over the next few weeks, she effectively becomes a recluse rarely daring to venture outside hoping Adrian will not find her. Life brightens when she receives word that Adrian has committed suicide and left part of his fortune to her. Finally free, wealthy, and optimistic for the first time in forever, Cecelia's existence has become fairly rosy since Adrian died. Or did he? Bizarre occurrences begin to plague Cecelia that she can't explain, but, she's certain who's behind them. But, how can that be? Her boyfriend is dead. And she has a fair amount of PTSD from living under his authoritative thumb for so long. Could Adrian have concocted a way to remain in her life or is she slowly losing her mind?
This film is beautifully directed by Leigh Whannell who knows his way around a horror movie or two writing the scripts for both Saw and Insidious. He also previously directed the whacked pseudo-horror cyberpunk actioner, Upgrade, in 2018. If you haven't seen that, I highly recommend. What I like most about how this was shot was the dead silence of several scenes where the most action you see is a panoramic view of a room. You know something is there, but, it's unseen. And very rarely does something just jump out at you. There are subtle clues there is a presence. And when there is action, it's all the more terrifying because the assailant is not visible. There are several scenes in the film that you might call a climax. The one that particularly impressed me is a scene between Cecelia and her sister. What happens is so quick and sudden. And, I swear you won't see it coming especially not in the way it happens.
That brings me to the star of the movie, Elisabeth Moss. She paints a picture from beginning to end of an abused, tormented woman who is driven to her wit's end. And you see how her experiences change her. Her physical acting is tremendous in this. She convincingly has fights against an invisible foe and mimics the natural movements of those altercations. She makes you experience the fear and confusion she feels. It's a great performance that sells the film.
One thing many movies in general, and horror movies in particular, have difficulty with is sticking the landing on the ending. I don't want to give too much away, but, I think audiences will find it wicked and satisfying.
The Invisible Man is a horror movie that proves the genre isn't all about blood and stabbings. The first kill doesn't come until we're a little more than halfway through the runtime. It's very much a psychological thriller throughout. It's well paced, well directed, and well acted. The atmosphere is absolutely chilling at times. This is horror done right. If Universal can keep churning out remakes like this, their monster universe should be a healthy one for years to come.
The Dark Lord of the Sith says:
**** stars
0*= Don't waste your time. Pure dreck! Dreck is too good for this! Blind me please!
1 *= Fuggedaboutit!
2 *= Average, Mediocre, Nothing Special
3 *= Worth a look. Better than a poke in the eye.
4 *= Great. I'm doing my happy dance!
5 *= Pure eye candy. I have seen the top of the mountain, and it is good
