By Shane Conto
What is more common in the modern film industry than making a remake? You know when you take an old film and try to give it a modern twist? Or maybe it is just doing the same exact thing and hoping no one notices? Most of the time they turn out to be a seemingly waste of time and potential. But sometimes you find an old story that was very much of its time but has some transcendent themes that can be morphed into a modern sensibility. The Invisible Man is definitely one of those films. The original Universal horror film adaptation was one centered around an over-the-top yet thoroughly entertaining performance from Cluade Rains. Director Leigh Whannell, of Saw fame, takes this older story and changes the perspective. Now we get to see this madness through the eyes of a woman wronged by this monstrous human being. This new take makes for a fresh journey that lends itself to new themes of toxic relationships and gaslighting. Whannell instills this film with one very important word…SHOCK.
Whannell lends his talents very well to this film and the set up that drives it. The pacing is driving forward at all times in a meaningful way while the atmosphere is a constant state of tension. I cannot remember a film that has made me feel so on edge in a long time. How couldn’t the fear of a specter being around every corner not make an audience feel that way? It sounds so easy but the top-notch filmmaking from Whannell is what really makes that aspect work. Whether it is deep focus which tips our attention to where that invisible monster might be. The camera tilts in many directions help create a feeling of distortion and truly affects you along the way. Then there are the effects. For a horror film that probably has a medium sized budget, the effects work is so believable. The missing figure in each shot is so natural looking that you might think there really is someone there.
Whannell was also able to deliver well on his modernized script for this classic tale. I will not say this is a perfect script as there are a few moments of unnecessary exposition and a few moments where logic escaped the scene. For a film with a story that has so many twists and turns, it is understandable that some of the story points do not fully make sense. But where this film does deliver is the shocking twists that keep the audience on their toes. My jaw dropped on a few occasions due to the twists and occurrences that pepper this story. Expectations were subverted and emotions were moved. The connection that is formed for our main character is so strong that the emotional beats do strike a chord. The plot can get a little silly and over-the-top but it works so well thanks to this self-assured screenplay. The themes centered around toxicity in relationships and the baggage that follows show how overwhelming those relationships can be. The film challenges the audience to process this horrible situation that continues to spiral. There are some darkly funny moments weaved in with the terrifying moments and the emotional beats.
The real star of the film is hands down Elizabeth Moss. The vulnerability she is able to show is quite impressive. From the trembling to the frightened stares, Moss is able to convey a range of emotions. The film presents Moss’ character with such a great arch that she is able to grow from the vulnerable state of an abused woman and transforms into a powerful and driving force. This can be a great breakout performance on film for The Handmaid’s Tale star. The supporting cast delivers as well with Aldis Hodge and Storm Reid providing solid performances.
The Invisible Man is a a great example of a modern remake that builds and grows its own story out of the potential of another. Whannell’s direction and writing deliver one of the best horror films of the past few years with organic scares that create real tension. Benjamin Wallfish layers the film with an atmospheric score creating the appropriate environment for the horror the ensue. Don’t miss out on this unique beast…a horror remake that is fresh and well-crafted.