Reviewed by Victor Rebikoff.
Director: Leigh Whannell, Universal Pictures, MA 124 Minutes
Many versions of The Invisible Man’ have been made since 1930, but in this modern remake of the HG Wells classic novel the spotlight is on a woman fleeing from an abusive ex-husband using a blanket of invisibility.
In this thrilling revision from Aussie director, Leigh Whannell (‘Upgrade’), a terrified Cecilia (Elizabeth Moss of ‘Us’) secretly leaves the lavish home of scientist Adrian Griffin (Oliver Jackson-Cohen of ‘The Healer’) and given sanctuary by James (Aldis Hodge of ‘Clemency’), a childhood friend – and a cop.
Despite the protection provided by James and daughter Sydney (Storm Reid of ‘Sleight’), Cecilia continues to be concerned about her safety and fearful of Adrian’s malicious motives.
Cecilia is then surprised to learn from her sister, Emily (Harriet Dyer of TV’s ‘Love Child’) of Adrian’s suicide, which is confirmed by his lawyer brother Tom (New Zealander Michael Dorman of ‘Goldstone’).
Although relieved on hearing the news, Cecilia is not fully convinced of his death.
She is experiencing strange coincidences in James’ home and is sensing that she is being stalked by a supernatural presence.
After witnessing her sister’s throat being slit in a restaurant by an invisible knife-wielding force, Cecilia is convinced that Adrian has returned to get his revenge.
With the police disbelieving her story, Cecilia is arrested and placed in a sanitarium where she attempts to slash her wrists but is stopped by an invisible man amidst his confrontation with police.
During the ensuing melee involving the police and a SWAT team, Cecilia manages to shoot the invisible man and unmask the truth of the mysterious character.
Now cleared of her crime, Cecilia has her own plan for dealing with an abusive ex-husband by using the invisible suit for her own purposes.
Whannell’s modern day take on ‘The Invisible Man’ classic is an enjoyable experience told against the background of an abusive relationship and complemented by a credible cast of characters and a suspenseful storyline.
Following her superb performance in ‘The Handmaid’s Tale’, Moss is simply magnificent as the abused victim Cecilia in this sci-fi thriller which, incidentally, was filmed at Sydney’s Fox Studios
Vic’s Verdict: 3 ½ Stars
