Half-witted money grabs have plagued the movie industry for a long time now. The same old titles or ideas are taken and revamped for a new audience. Usually these films fail to meet the heights of the original. When Leigh Whannell’s 2020 film “The Invisible Man” was announced last year the expectations were very low. Many people around the entertainment world thought it was to be a shot for shot remake. After premiering on February 28, 2020, this film has blown-away countless skeptics including myself.

Concept

The idea of making a character invisible is not anything new. For years comic books and films alike have turned invisibility into a common trope. Demons and serial killers have been invisible and terrified their on screen victims for generations. What if these characters weren’t made invisible by a supernatural force, but instead by man? What if someone was so intelligent yet sadistic that they would use their beautiful brain to create the perfect weapon to terrorize an ex-partner? Leigh Whannell uses these questions as the basis for “The Invisible Man.”

Atmosphere

Personally, I believe this film to be the best use of unseen horror in a long time. More and more movies these days directors use grotesque monsters to force a reaction from the audience. Leigh Whannell uses silence and camera movements to make things like chairs and empty rooms trauma inducing. When the characters enter rooms the audiences eyes are drawn to certain parts of the setting.

With our heart beats speeding up to dangerous level we desperately search the screen for an unseen danger. You know that he is there, you know he is watching you but from where. Where is this evil man, and then suddenly the camera pans to an empty corner and fear grips the heart. Suddenly air and sound along with it rush out of the room and only silence exists. The audience begs for it to stop. Where is he?

This is how the entire movie feels. I was drawn in from the opening scene and did not take a calm breath until the end. The filmmakers really knew how to use every tool at their disposal to create a truly uncomfortable environment.

Performance

Due to the fact that the film revolves around an evil invisible man, it is fair to say the performances have to be nearly perfect for the movie to work. Every actor involved knew this and brought their A-game.

The headliner of this list is obviously Elizabeth Moss. She brings a sense of genuine sense of fear and concern every time she appears on screen. She completely embodies the mold of an abused woman and on top of that portrays fear very well. It is extremely for someone to scream at an invisible chair and it not be hilarious. Moss is able to truly terrify the audience by making us believe that someone is standing behind her.

I also want to give credit to Michael Dorman. He plays the brother/lawyer of the abusive husband and disappears into his role. He is sleazy in every sense of the word and from the moment he appears on screen you hate him. It is hard for actors to completely accept and understand their characters when the character is so opposite of their own personality. Dorman is almost as hated as the invisible man and it that is impressive on its own.

Conclusion

In conclusion, I really do like this movie. “The Invisible Man” made me more uncomfortable than I have been for a very long time. It is scary fun that keeps you on your toes the entire run time. This film is scary fun for the whole crew and only has one drawback. You will be suspicious of every empty chair for a long time.