The Invisible Man (2020)
Well, Leigh Whannel has sure come a long way since he presented the film reviews on the Aussie youth program ‘Recovery which aired in 96–00, a cult indie/grunge mecca off music and arts that aired on Saturday mornings. After Recovery, we first saw Whannel back on the screen in a small role in 2003 in The Matrix Reloaded. No one knew what 2004 was about to bring. Whannel alongside his film school friend James Wan unleased their first horror film ‘SAW’ and what would soon become the beginning of a horror franchise and a league of fandom of it’s on. What followed was a long string of directing, writing, producing and acting totaling 14 (not bad for an alternative bloke from Melbourne eh?).
2020. Whannel inspired by the book by the 1897 H.G. Wells ‘The Invisible Man’ releases the horror, mystery, sci-fi thriller of the same name, written, directed and executive produced by himself and with Elisabeth Moss playing the lead. The trailer was unforgiving and got everyone excited and looked to be one of the horror hits of 2020.
I am usually one of the worst critics and I’m the first to admit it. When it comes to horror there is no one category of horror and such you can’t rate every horror film on the same criteria. From schlock horror, b-grade horror, art noir horror, gross-out horror, creature horror, classic Hammer Horror, team horror, cheesy trash horror, comedic horror, psychological horror, supernatural horror, retro horror, disaster horror, slasher horror… you get the drift.
I went into The Invisible Man with no huge expectations nor any low expectations but I must say more of sense of pride for a fellow Aussie doing his thing and doing it well.
Whannel succeeds in bringing together an inventive modernization of the Wells novel as well as presenting a great and seamless combination of scares along the way with a clever new narrative. Whannel spins the original story on its head with a tale about manipulation, control and abuse of women in harmful relationships with a spectacular portrayal by Elisabeth Moss as Cecilia a woman trapped in a relationship she’s desperate to escape but soon learns she didn’t escape for long. Whannel succeeds in turning what seemed a sci-fi horror tale into something that is truly human, relatable and a cruel reality many women face.
From start to finish the camera work, tension and ambiance lead you down a road you know is going somewhere dark. Whannel cleverly crafts a story that at times is an uncomfortable and uneasy watch, embraces almost everyone’s fears. The fear, the monster, you can’t see and the struggle to prove it is real and the struggle with your own sanity.
The Invisible Man is chilling and almost hypnotic and I found myself completely invested in the story from start to finish. Throughout the film, Whannel manages to deliver a few unpredictable gems accompanied by a thematically coherent plot, a dark almost snarling soundtrack, and relatable characters and a steady pace that keeps the viewer locked into the narrative.
(SPOILER) The ending, however, I found particularly interesting.
After some twists and turns, we are faced with a possible different multiple invisible men or a well-contrived deception and frame-up by Adrian. However, Cecilia gets the ultimate revenge by turning Adrian’s technology against him and serving him his just desserts. As she slits Adrian’s throat and watches him bleed out she boldly and defiantly looks into the camera and says the word Adrian once said to her “Surprise”. A pivotal moment of redemption for Cecilia’s character. Cecilia goes outside and meets James, “You heard it right James? What did it sound like to you?” James replies “It sounded a lot like he killed himself”. Cecilia walks away with Adrian’s second invisibility suit (which James sees and doesn’t question) in her bag which begs the question “what’s next”?
I’m not one for giving star or numbered ratings. So you won’t get that from me. Whannel nailed it with this film and I highly recommend this captivating watch. A successful horror/sci-fi/thriller turned action/psychological thriller.
Director: Leigh Whannell
Writers: Leigh Whannell (screenplay), Leigh Whannell (screen story)
