This is a fascinating subversion of the original HG Wells tale where a chemical concoction renders a scientist transparent but indulging amorality. For its flaws, 2000’s the Hollow Man is likely the best modern adaptation of this tale, but this contemporary update is interesting on myriad levels and no doubt the better film. For film called the Invisible Man many critiques leveled at it are that the titular character is barely present for a good chunk of the film, but I’d argue otherwise. The character is always present, haunting Elizabeth moss both on metaphorical and literal levels with hints the character is present far earlier than one might suspect. The victim focus allows for all manner of analogies for domestic violence, stalking, gaslighting and provides an excellent visual representation or the type of psychological echoes and hauntings victims might endure. There’s all sorts of fascinating psychological issues and framework, with shocking moments and an excellent twist on the original concept that’s both creepy and entirely plausible. Unfortunately, the last act sacrifices the excellent mood and subtlety in favor of a presumably studio-mandated bombastic last act, in which the film’s carefully laid messages and themes get muddied and ultimately divisive. Regardless, this kind of imaginative reinvention of a classic take is wholly welcomed in the hands of excellent acting, script and direction.
The Invisible Man (2020)