Review ‘The Invisible Man’

Reboots of horror movies rarely work out. More often than not, reboots follow in the exact same footsteps as the original, creating shot-for-shot remakes that are devoid of any creativity or originality. Rarely do they do anything new with the source material. So, it comes as a surprise that The Invisible Man, a movie that should be overwhelmingly derivative, is inexplicably one of the most stunning and exciting horror/thrillers in years.

A modern reboot of the 1933 horror movie of the same name, The Invisible Man stars Elisabeth Moss as Cecilia Kass, a woman who’s just escaped her abusive and controlling boyfriend, Adrian Griffin. Though Adrian is thought to be dead, Cecilia believes he is stalking her invisibly after mysterious and unexplainable events start happening around her.

The Invisible Man is a wildly captivating and exceptionally well-made thriller. From start to finish, the movie will keep you on the edge of your seat, anxiously anticipating what new twist or turn is waiting around the corner. Leigh Whannell, who pulls double duty as writer and director, crafts an engaging and frightening horror story that is sure to unnerve and shock audiences of all ages. The way Whannell is able to build suspense and a sense of terror from nothing but empty rooms still objects, and shadows are masterful, to say the least. The story is fast-paced and sharp, making two hours feel like nothing at all. Be prepared to let time slip away as you delve deeper and deeper into the chilling and intriguing web that The Invisible Man weaves.

At the center of that web is Moss. It’s her leading performance that elevates this already incredible movie to one that is a guaranteed must-see. Much like Whannell’s directing style, it’s remarkable how Moss is able to do so much while doing so little. Watching Moss frantically scan a room is just as exhilarating as watching her deliver a soul-crushing monologue or wrestle the invisible Adrian to the ground. A force to be reckoned with in every sense of the term, Moss is a sensational actress whose phenomenal range is on full display in The Invisible Man. Additionally, supporting cast members Aldis Hodge, Harriet Dyer, and Oliver Jackson-Cohen (as the titular villain) are equally excellent.

The Invisible Man is a gripping thrill-ride that will steal your breath away. A flawless trifecta off writing, directing and acting make this adaptation of the classic story a welcome one. If The Invisible Man is any indication of how future reboots of Universal Monster movies will be, then count me in

Universal Pictures releases The Invisible Man in theatres on Friday, February 28, 2020

[Review by Luke Elisio]