The Invisible Man (2020) Review: “Predictable yet offering a few Thrills”
Director: Leigh Whannell
Starring: Elisabeth Moss, Aldis Hodge, Harriet Dyer, Michael Dorman, Oliver Jackson-Cohen
Producers: Jason Blum
Production House: Blumhouse Productions
Music Director: Benjamin Wallfisch
Cinematography: Stefan Duscio
Editor: Andy Canny
Language: English
Genre: Sci-Fi, Thriller
Runtime: 2 hours 4 minutes
Plot:
Cecilia Kass (Elisabeth Moss) escapes her abusive relationship with a wealthy scientist, Adrian Griffin (Oliver Jackson-Cohen), only to find that he has apparently taken his own life and left her a substantial part of his fortune. However, Cecilia soon suspects that his death was a ruse, and she begins experiencing strange occurrences, leading her to believe that Adrian has found a way to become invisible and is stalking her. As the invisible threat closes in, Cecilia’s sanity and survival are put to the ultimate test.
Performances:
Elisabeth Moss:
Moss delivers a powerful performance, portraying Cecilia’s fear and paranoia with incredible depth. Her emotional range makes the character’s journey believable and impactful.
Aldis Hodge:
Hodge brings warmth and sincerity to his role as James, a protective father and friend. His grounded performance adds a strong emotional anchor to the story.
Harriet Dyer:
Dyer excels as Cecilia’s supportive sister, Emily, with her subtle expressions of concern and love shining through in every scene.
Michael Dorman:
Dorman gives a solid performance as Adrian’s brother, embodying the complex dynamics of a morally conflicted character.
Oliver Jackson-Cohen:
Despite limited screen time, Jackson-Cohen’s menacing presence as the invisible villain lingers throughout the film, adding to the tension.
Supporting Cast:
The rest of the cast, including those portraying law enforcement and other minor characters, all perform their roles effectively, contributing to the overall tone of the movie.
Technical Aspects:
Direction:
Leigh Whannell’s direction is solid, blending suspense and psychological horror effectively. However, the script could have used more complexity in terms of pacing and twists. The film slows down in the middle but regains momentum during the climax.
Cinematography:
Stefan Duscio’s cinematography is one of the film's strengths, especially in the action sequences and scenes involving invisible threats. The camera work adds tension and enhances the eerie atmosphere.
Music:
Benjamin Wallfisch’s score complements the film’s suspenseful tone, with unsettling sound design and thrilling music heightening the horror elements.
VFX & Editing:
The VFX, while minimal, is well-executed, particularly during the title sequence. The editing keeps the film visually engaging, though the slower middle act could have benefited from tighter cuts.
Strengths:
- Thrilling elements
- Strong direction
- Impressive music
- Excellent cinematography
Weaknesses:
- Feels like a rehash of Hollow Man
- Slow pace at times
My Personal Take On Cinema:
The Invisible Man offers a gripping performance from Elisabeth Moss, who single-handedly elevates the film with her portrayal of Cecilia’s psychological breakdown. The movie delivers some thrilling moments, particularly due to its strong cinematography and tense musical score. However, the predictable narrative and slow pacing in the middle act hinder its overall impact. Despite its flaws, The Invisible Man is a watchable thriller with enough suspense to engage viewers.Overall, while it doesn’t reinvent the wheel, it provides a solid, modern take on the classic Hollow Man concept, making it worth a watch for those who enjoy psychological thrillers with a supernatural twist.
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