Film Review: "The Invisible Man" (2020).

"What You Can't See Can Hurt You" in The Invisible Man. This science fiction horror film film adapted and directed by Leigh Whannell, and based on the 1897 science fiction literary classic of the same name by H. G. Wells. Trapped in a violent, controlling relationship with a wealthy and brilliant scientist, Cecilia Kass escapes in the dead of night and disappears into hiding, aided by her sister, their childhood friend and his teenage daughter. But when Cecilia’s abusive ex commits suicide and leaves her a generous portion of his vast fortune, Cecilia suspects his death was a hoax. As a series of eerie coincidences turns lethal, threatening the lives of those she loves, Cecilia’s sanity begins to unravel as she desperately tries to prove that she is being hunted by someone nobody can see.

As early as 2007, development of a new The Invisible Man began with David S. Goyer was hired to pen the script. However, in 2011, Goyer left the project, and the project entered into development hell. In February 2016, the project was announced to be revived as a part of Universal's Dark Universe. Johnny Depp was cast as the titular role, with Ed Solomon hired to pen the script. However, after the critical and financial failure of The Mummy (2017), the project was once again cancelled and changes were made to the Dark Universe to focus on individual storytelling and moving on from the shared universe concept. In January 2019, Universal announced that all future Universal Monster movies would focus on standalone stories as opposed to inter-connectivity. Producer Jason Blum had at various times publicly expressed his interest in reviving and working on future installments. Ultimately, the project, and all future installments, would be set up at Blum's Blumhouse Productions with Whannell hired to direct and pen The Invisible Man. In April, Elizabeth Moss was officially cast in the female lead role. By mid July, Aldis Hodge, Storm Reid, Harriet Dyer, Michael Dorman, and Oliver Jackson-Cohen rounded out the film's cast, with Jackson-Cohen cast in the title role. At the same time, principal photography commenced, and wrapped in mid September. Filming took place in Sydney, Australia. Universal originally scheduled the film for a March 13, 2020 release date. But, in August, was moved up two weeks for a February 28, 2020 release.

The film stars Moss, Hodge, Reid, Dyer, Dorman, and Jackson-Cohen. The cast gave terrifically layered performances, especially Moss. Moss brought an edge to the damaged-girl-next-door role, and the dark, dashing Jackson-Cohen is chillingly twisted.

The film easily could have been just a B-picture, albeit an expensively-produced one, but Whannell is as serious about his social commentary as he is about entertaining us. It is much more than the sum of its parts, is as enjoyable as hell and taps into all of those innovative sci-fi movies that you already love without being a mere copycat. It begins as an unyielding look at a battered wife, but does not end as another one of those thrillers where the villain toys with his victim and the audience.

Simon says The Invisible Man receives:

Also, see my review for Upgrade.