The Invisible Man
Movie Trailer
Release Date
February 28, 2020
Genre
Horror, Sci-Fi, Thriller
Cast & Crew
- Elisabeth Moss as Cecilia Kass
- Aldis Hodge as James Lanier
- Storm Reid as Sydney Lanier
- Harriet Dyer as Emily Kass
- Michael Dorman as Tom Griffin
- Oliver Jackson-Cohen as Adrian Griffin
Director
Leigh Whannell
Other Movies Director is Known For:
- Upgrade (2018)
- Insidious: Chapter 3 (2015)
Producer
Jason Blum
Kylie du Fresne
Writer
Leigh Whannell
Budget
$7 million
Production Company
Blumhouse Productions
Goalpost Pictures
Universal Pictures
Running Time
124 minutes
Languages
English (Original), with multiple dubbed and subtitled versions available
Maturity Rating
R
Content Advisory
- Intense violence
- Strong language
- Psychological terror
- Thematic elements involving abuse
Movie Story
The Invisible Man is a modern reimagining of H.G. Wells’ classic novel, focusing on the psychological horror and terror inflicted by an unseen assailant. The film centers around Cecilia Kass (Elisabeth Moss), a woman trapped in a violent and controlling relationship with her wealthy, genius boyfriend, Adrian Griffin (Oliver Jackson-Cohen). Desperate to escape, Cecilia orchestrates a daring nighttime escape from Adrian’s high-tech mansion, with the help of her sister Emily (Harriet Dyer).
Shortly after her escape, Cecilia learns that Adrian has committed suicide and left her a significant portion of his fortune. However, Cecilia suspects that Adrian’s death was a hoax when she begins to experience a series of eerie, inexplicable events. Her sense of reality starts to unravel as she becomes convinced that Adrian has found a way to make himself invisible and is now tormenting her, though no one believes her claims.
As the terror escalates, Cecilia’s friends and loved ones, including her close friend James Lanier (Aldis Hodge) and his daughter Sydney (Storm Reid), begin to doubt her sanity. Isolated and desperate, Cecilia must find a way to prove that Adrian is alive and haunting her, even as the invisible figure manipulates and destroys everything she holds dear. The film builds towards a tense and shocking confrontation where Cecilia takes matters into her own hands, fighting to reclaim her life and expose the truth about the man who refuses to let her go.
Leigh Whannell’s direction creates a palpable sense of dread, using negative space and the fear of the unseen to keep audiences on edge. Elisabeth Moss delivers a powerful performance, capturing the intense fear and frustration of a woman fighting to be believed in the face of overwhelming skepticism. The film’s exploration of gaslighting and abuse gives it a contemporary relevance, turning the horror genre into a vehicle for a deeper commentary on control and trauma.
Special Effects
The Invisible Man uses special effects sparingly but effectively, with the focus on creating tension through what is not seen rather than what is. The invisible character is brought to life through a combination of clever camera work, practical effects, and CGI, making the audience feel the presence of Adrian even when he is not visible. The film’s minimalist approach to special effects amplifies the horror, making every scene feel tense and unpredictable.
Box Office Performance
The Invisible Man was a box office success, grossing over $143 million worldwide against its modest budget of $7 million. The film was praised for its inventive approach to the classic story and Elisabeth Moss’s standout performance, making it one of the most successful horror films of 2020. Its release just before the COVID-19 pandemic led to a strong digital performance as well, with the film finding a wider audience through streaming.
Filming Locations
- Sydney, New South Wales, Australia
- Los Angeles, California, USA
Notable Quotes
- “He said that wherever I went, he would find me, walk right up to me, and I wouldn’t be able to see him.” – Cecilia Kass
- “Adrian will haunt you if you let him.” – Emily Kass
- “Surprise.” – Adrian Griffin
Behind-the-Scenes
Director Leigh Whannell aimed to create a horror film that was as much about psychological terror as it was about physical scares. The decision to focus on themes of domestic abuse and gaslighting added a layer of depth to the horror, resonating with contemporary issues. Elisabeth Moss, known for her work in The Handmaid’s Tale, was cast for her ability to convey complex emotions, making her an ideal fit for the role of Cecilia. The film was shot primarily in Australia, with the production design focusing on creating a cold, clinical aesthetic that reflected the themes of control and surveillance.
Awards
- Won Best Horror Film at the 2021 Critics’ Choice Super Awards
- Nominated for Best Actress in a Horror Film (Elisabeth Moss) at the 2021 Critics’ Choice Super Awards
- Nominated for Best Visual Effects at the 2021 AACTA Awards
Final Verdict
The Invisible Man is a masterclass in psychological horror, combining a chilling story with a relevant exploration of abuse and control. Elisabeth Moss’s powerful performance anchors the film, making Cecilia’s journey from victim to survivor both compelling and harrowing. With its inventive use of special effects and tension-filled direction, The Invisible Man stands out as one of the most effective and thought-provoking horror films in recent years.
IMDb Rating
7.1/10