In 2020, we experienced a moment of fear. Not what you think. Another one, funnier (though) and on the big screen with Invisible Man. A true horror thriller starring Elisabeth Moss. And if by definition we don’t see the Invisible Man of the title, writer-director Lee Whannell makes sure you don’t miss the subject of his film.
Far from being a fun farce about a madman who makes himself invisible, The Invisible Man deals with the horrors of domestic violence. The director cleverly uses the genre to show this abuse that happens behind closed doors, affecting not only the victim’s body, but also their sense of reality. Sci-fi elements drive the plot, but all the tension comes from a desperate woman – the masterful Elisabeth Moss – trying to break free from her tormentor, the flawless Oliver Jackson-Cohen. The result is both shocking and terrifying.
Cecilia (Elisabeth Moss) is an architect on the run from her abusive boyfriend, Adrian (Oliver Jackson-Cohen), a wealthy tech genius who works in optics. Even when Cecilia escapes and lives under the protection of James (Aldis Hodge), her sister’s boyfriend and a police officer, she is afraid to go out. Then she gets the good news: Adrian died of an apparent suicide and he left her $5 million. But he quickly discovers that Adrian isn’t dead: he’s just found a way to make himself invisible and uses his new powers to torment him even more.
The film perfectly illustrates the mechanisms of domestic violence. And it shows how global it can be. It refers to the victim living in constant fear while doubting their own sense of reality. Thus, he lives in constant terror. The film is almost exhausting because of the tension it keeps on screen as you wonder when and how Adrian will strike.
Through her performance, Elisabeth Moss conveys her fear and makes us experience her paranoia. The scenes where she fights the invisible man would seem comical if we weren’t completely invested in Cecilia’s story. The total involvement of the actress and the appropriate realization of Wanelli make us completely immerse ourselves in the disturbing reality of the heroine.
Invisible Man is not a “fun” horror film in that, while there are occasional jump scares, Whannell understands that his film is scary because, like all great horror stories, it’s about something real. It’s not just a horrifying and scary story, it’s also thoughtful and insightful. It is through this prism that the horror genre is distinguished by telling stories about social issues. This is real success.
Learn how the film’s special effects were made:
Source: Allocine
Rose James is a Gossipify movie and series reviewer known for her in-depth analysis and unique perspective on the latest releases. With a background in film studies, she provides engaging and informative reviews, and keeps readers up to date with industry trends and emerging talents.