While Universal Pictures’ “Dark Universe” failed after the disaster that was “The Mummy”, they have since backed off from a shared universe to focus on individual stories. Now, they have chosen to focus on one of the lesser-known character, The Invisible Man.
He doesn’t get as much attention among other monsters within “Dark Universe” such as Frankenstein, the Wolf Man, or Dracula, but he is referenced in comedic movies such as “Monsters vs. Aliens” and the “Hotel Transylvania” franchise which puts him in a comedic light.
However, this Blumhouse Productions movie has remade this character into something sinister and chilling.
“The Invisible Man” opens with Cecilia Kass (Elisabeth Moss) running away from her abusive husband Adrian Griffin (Oliver Jackson-Cohen) in an incredibly tense moment that shows how everything seems louder at night, especially when you are trying to be quiet. She manages to escape from him, then hides at her friend’s house in hopes that Griffin gives up searching for her.
She later learns that Griffin committed suicide and that she will inherit his fortune. Life seems to be going well for Kass. She has money and is free of Griffin, however, she can’t accept that Griffin is dead. She thinks he is still alive somehow, because she has the feeling a mysterious figure is following her. Someone or something is tormenting her, making her go crazy and ruining her life. She thinks it’s Griffin, but no one believes her because he’s dead.
This is where the movie does something unique. Kass is a survivor of an abusive relationship, so she is paranoid that her spouse is going to come after her. Even when he’s dead, she still feels his presence and the memories of abuse following her through life. That’s what makes the movie interesting, when she tries to warn people about this shadowy presence, they think she is suffering from the trauma her ex inflicted on her. They understand she would be acting this way, because she is fearful of her spouse returning. Even when she sees the pictures of Griffin dead, she still can’t let go. This provides a different reason for people dismissing her, rather than a typical horror movie where they assume she’s just imagining things.
Overall, this movie was suspenseful. It didn’t rely on jump scares, which was impressive. Instead, it built tension through the fear of the unknown. Not knowing if Kass is alone or the figure’s location is nerve wracking throughout the film.
Moss’s acting is also noteworthy. She does an excellent job becoming increasingly paranoid and frightened every step of the way. It really puts the audience in her shoes.
Overall, this was an example of a horror movie reboot done right. This movie gave audiences an updated plot that distinguished itself from the original.
This movie gets four out of five stars.
Ryan Hill can be reached at [email protected]