The Invisible Man
Violent, nasty and brutally entertaining, it earns its “R” rating from beginning to end.
Unlike the original The Invisible Man (1933) which focused on Claude Rains’ performance, the invisible man dominating Director Leigh Whannell’s recreation is largely, for lack of a better word, invisible. Here, the camera follows the torment of Cecilia Kass, played with force by Elisabeth Moss, who is terrorized by her dominating tech-savvy ex-boyfriend (Oliver Jackson Cohen), who has presumably faked a suicide.
Interestingly, this film gains strength with the use of a few special effects. Made on a low budget of $8 Million, you watch a woman suspected of madness as she tries to explain being haunted by a man presume dead.
In the process, Moss is arrested for murder after her sister’s throat is slit as they dine at a restaurant. With the knife ending up in her hand as she stares in shock, her claims of innocence fall on deaf ears.
Other violent encounters happen that I dare not give away. Suffice it to say that nearly everyone associated with Cecilia either receives ugly e-mails or is beaten if not killed by a knife or gun.
Let me note that both Aldis Hodge and Storm Reid give great performances as a police officer father and daughter who open their home to Cecilia to provide comfort. Tragically, like others, they pay an awful price for their kindness. Whether they live or die will keep you on the edge of your seat.
This film belongs to Ms. Moss, and you share her agony at every turn. Will she survive her ordeal or find a way to get even? Remember that the word “surprise” answers that question.
