MANILA, PHILIPPINES – Ask anyone what kind of superpower they would wish for and you’ll likely get standard answers. Super strength, flight, and super speed will likely top the list, but one power inevitably comes up as well: invisibility. After all, the ability to not be seen opens up so many possibilities, particularly for those with evil intentions. Back in 1933, Claude Rains starred in what is now considered a film classic, an adaptation of H.G. Wells’ novel, The Invisible Man. In that film directed by James Whale, the title character learns how to be invisible and plots to use that power to dominate the world. In 2020, however, a reboot of that movie features a way more personal and psychological motivation for the title character.
Cecilia Kass (Elisabeth Moss) is trapped in a loveless relationship. She is married to Adrian Griffin (Oliver Jackson-Cohen), a global leader in the optics industry who also happens to be controlling, abusive, and a narcissist of the highest order. Fearful for her life and her sanity, Cecilia plots to escape Adrian’s home in the outskirts of San Francisco by drugging him and running away with her sister Emily (Harriet Dyer).
Weeks later, Cecilia is staying with Emily’s friend, Det. James Lanier (Aldis Hodge) and his daughter Sydney (Storm Reid). Still scared for her life, Cecilia hesitates to even step out of James’ house because she thinks Adrian is coming after her. To Cecilia’s surprise, Emily informs her that Adrian has committed suicide and that she is free. Meeting with Adrian’s brother and lawyer Tom (Michael Dorman), Cecilia stands to inherit millions over a period of time from Adrian as long as she meets certain requirements including not being convicted of any crimes.
As Cecilia tries to rebuild her life and go back to the workforce, strange things begin happening around her. The oven she was cooking with catches fire, the portfolio of her work is missing when she goes to a job interview, and a presence seems to be looming in her room. Cecilia confronts Tom, convinced that Adrian isn’t actually dead but has found a way to become invisible and stalk her. What follows is Cecilia’s continuous struggle to prove that she isn’t losing her mind while also trying to separate herself from a presence that refuses to set her free.
After establishing herself as Peggy Olson for eight years on Mad Men and as June/Offred for the past three years on The Handmaid’s Tale, Elisabeth Moss has clearly become an effective leading lady who can carry a motion picture. The abuse and degradation that those characters have suffered on TV probably helped prepare her for this role as Cecilia, and it would seem that she’s become quite proficient as the woman who fights back and refuses to be dominated.
By using modern special effects as well as the possibilities that current technology seem to be getting close to creating, director and writer Leigh Whannell is able to put a very modern spin on the classic premise. Bringing an element of malevolence in terms of an abusive relationship in an age where women are more frequently standing up for themselves, the movie’s theme of breaking free and a seemingly relentless stalker resonate even more.
The psychological nature of Cecilia’s abuse and stalking only makes her struggle to be believed and find support from people around her even more painful as they are stacked against her one after another. With CCTV cameras, audio recording devices, and people using other people’s laptops so easily accessible, Whannell uses them to heighten the tension and slowly drive Cecilia over the edge.
Although the ending seems to be straightforward after the film’s climactic scene, a subsequent scene that follows actually provides a disturbing scenario. Cecilia remains convinced of her husband’s guilt despite someone else seemingly shown as the criminal and the relative ease and comfort with which she finally strikes will leave the audience wondering if she is indeed going insane.
Rated R-13, The Invisible Man is currently showing in Philippine cinemas.
About the Author:
Jason Inocencio was once the Digital Editor of adobo magazine who still loves seeing great campaigns from all over the world. He proudly shows off his love for all kinds of geeky things, whether it be movies, TV shows, comics, sports, or trivia.
