Film Review: “The Invisible Man”
Blumhouse’s latest feature The Invisible Man is a well acted and well written piece of psychological horror. Elisabeth Moss gives another stunning performance, as you lose your mind on the edge of seat, alongside her.
I was invited to a screening of The Invisible Man by Australian’s in Film. If you were unaware The Invisible Man was shot in Sydney and the suburb’s just outside of Sydney while giving us the illusion of San Fransisco. The incredible house we see in the film is actually four homes, one which won the architectural award of the year which we see as the outside. Aside from the editing magic of four homes into one, the cgi work of Ceclia’s (Elisabeth Moss) tormenter is second to none. Director Leigh Whannell is truly carving a space in horror to remind us The Exorcist was infact nominated for a best picture Academy Award back in the 80’s. At the Q&A Leigh spoke of his love for horror and how in many halls of the movie business its seen as a genre just barely above porn which won laughs from the industry audience (where is the lie?).
Lets talk about The Invisible Man without giving too many spoilers ahead of its opening weekend, this is a ticket you should be purchasing. Leigh Whannell does a stunning job directing a film which makes you feel as if you’re loosing your mind alongside Cecelia. The real horror of this film is sitting through three quarters of the film feeling as if you’re a voyeur watching real life. Because while the film does have the added terror of an invisible man stalking you and hurting those you love including yourself, the real villain is the silence of truth. It was horrifying to watch as Cecelia told those around her the emotional and psychological abuse in addition to physical her ex heaped upon her. The truth villain was how those closest to her didn’t believe her. The belief was minimal, and when she insisted that he was behind it all she was labeled unhinged, unstable, delusional. Aren’t these all real labels many women in abusive relationships deal with daily? Narcissistic abuse is much different than other kinds of abuse. Mainly because narcissists are charming, they usually have many friends, but the horror is their ability to wrap themselves around your mind, and the minds of others. That is the real villain in The Invisible Man, the psychological breakdown of being called delusional, because how could someone so charming to those around him, be the monster you say he is? It is chilling to watch and will leave your heart hammering in your chest as you cheer for Cecelia to be believed. The ending leaves you with alot to think about, but Cecelia’s character has a growth unlike any other female character we’ve seen in the horror genre. Kudos to Legih Whannell for the screenplay and to Elisabeth Moss for her stellar performance.
