The Invisible Man (2020)

As The Invisible Man begins, a cloud of tension and anxiety settle in and don’t really let up until the end credits roll. The opening sequence, with Cecilia Kass (Elisabeth Moss) sneaking out of her own house to escape her lover, Adrian (Oliver Jackson-Cohen,) sets the tone for the rest of the film. She’s obviously afraid of something unseen but, if it weren’t for the title of the movie, one would assume that she’s worried much more about the dire consequences of being caught.

As she seeks shelter with her friend, James (Aldis Hodge) and his teen daughter, Sydney (Storm Reid,) she never seems comfortable. She’s convinced he’ll somehow find her. Even when she’s told that Adrian has committed suicide, it brings her no peace. Her discomfort makes the viewer uncomfortable. Soon, things begin happening in the house that she can’t rationally explain to anyone. No matter how illogical it sounds; she is convinced he is alive and invisible.

Aided by excellent camera work from Stefan Duscio and director Leigh Wannell, an atmosphere of dread permeates every scene. Even when the surroundings look safe, my eyes darted around the screen looking for evidence of Adrian’s presence. I began to feel haunted like Cecilia. The Invisible Man is one of the most immersive cinema experiences I’ve had for a long time.

Elisabeth Moss delivers an exemplary performance as Cecilia. She conveys the damage to her psyche through her facial expressions and body language. We watch her driven to the breaking point because she cannot convince anyone of the truth. In a world where gaslighting has become something we’re all too familiar with, Cecilia’s frustration is palpable. While the supporting cast are more than adequate, this is film carried solely on Moss’ back. She is featured in nearly every scene and never disappoints.

I don’t want to spoil the elements of the script that set this adaptation of H.G. Well’s seminal novel apart from those that have come before. All I will say is that it’s as brilliant as it is implausible but that doesn’t stop it from being the best version of the concept ever put to film.