Directed by Leigh Whannell

Starring: Elisabeth Moss, Oliver Jackson-Cohen, Harriet Dyer

Rated R for some strong bloody violence, and language.

The Invisible Man is a horror remake of the 1933 classic film with the same name, which itself was based off a novel by H.G. Wells. After leaving a abusive relationship, Cecilia (played by Elizabeth Moss) tries to live her normal life and cope with the trauma she faced in her relationship. But soon after her former partner (played by Oliver Jackson-Cohen) commits suicide, Cecilia feels like her ex boyfriend is stalking her, but in a invisible form.

The film’s main character is played by Elizabeth Moss, who delivers a strong performance. She is a character who is afraid, confused, and terrified that someone or something is stalking her. There are also a lot of physical acting that had to be done in the film. In one scene in particular, Cecilia is fighting with the invisible man. We don’t see the man itself, but we can tell she is in a vicious fight. Aldis Hodge is also in the film and plays Cecilia’s friend. Hodge also does an excellent job in the film and is actually one of the standouts from the film. The character is not only well written, but is also played excellently by Hodge. Although Hodge has been in previous films such as Hidden Figures and Straight Outta Compton, I would like to see Hodge in more starring roles. He proved in this film that is he is a likable figure who commands presence when he is on the screen and that likability can definitely be carried over to staring roles.

Although the film does have its terrifying moments, the film plays more of a suspenseful film. The opening scene has the main character leaving home in a suspended filled scene. Director Leigh Whannell made this scene filled with uneasiness due to the suspense that surrounded the scene. Without any words being said, we know what is at stake if the other character wakes up. I like how Whannell did not have to dumb down the scene and explain what was happening. The scene itself explains it all.

But as much I enjoyed the film, the film did slow down a bit in the second act of the film. I certainly understand having Cecilia in the attic looking for clues is supposed to be suspenseful but the scene did get dragged on a bit. While do appreciate the film not going the cliche jump scare route and actually building the tension, I believe cutting parts of the scene would have been best. It is until the third act where things pick up. While a tad bit predictable, the entire third act is not only action pack, but fast paced as well. The third act is filled with many twists and turns that the final act makes up for the slow second act.

The Invisible Man is a different type of horror film that doesn’t stoop low to the typical horror film cliches. The film is certainly filled with relatable leads who give strong performances. Leigh Whannell not only directs this well directed film, but also writes a story that is grounded in reality. The story of having someone leave an abusive relationship certainly plays a big role in the film, but also brilliantly has a long lasting effect in it. The Invisible Man is a smart and terrifying film that has a lot to offer and will certainly keep the audience thinking about the film long after it is over.

3/4