The Invisible Man proves just how terrifying Universal’s Dark Universe can be
By Mads Lennon
The Invisible Man provides a much-needed boost to Universal’s Dark Universe and proves how terrifying their films can be. Read our full review.
When Universal failed to receive the reaction they wanted from Tom Cruise’s reboot of The Mummy, it seemed like their Dark Universe might be dead in the water. But Leigh Whannell‘s updated version of The Invisible Man proves there might be something worthwhile in pursuing individualized passion projects from dedicated directors.
Elisabeth Moss stars as Cecilia stuck in an abusive relationship until she decides to escape. Unfortunately, her ex has no desire to let her go. When he seemingly turns up dead after committing suicide, Cecilia believes that she might finally be free of him — until an unseen force begins to stalk her.
As Cecilia becomes increasingly convinced that her ex is still alive and haunting her while invisible, people refuse to believe her and she stumbles into a downward spiral toward insanity.
The film is a perfect metaphor for the #MeToo movement and the way many women feel when they try to come forward with assault accusations. What do you do when no one believes you?
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But more than that, The Invisible Man is genuinely terrifying and breath of fresh air after the numerous bad horror movies we’ve had thrust upon this year so far, i.e. The Grudge, The Turning, and Brahms: The Boy II.
I haven’t been as unsettled watching a film in a long time. The restaurant scene and the scene in the attic come to mind as two of the most frightening moments in the movie.
The film also sets up for a potential sequel or further exploration within the Dark Universe with ending, although I won’t spoil it here.
If you’re at all on the fence about seeing The Invisible Man in theaters, I can’t recommend the movie enough. It’s terrifying and Moss delivers one of the performances of her career, easily on par with Toni Collette’s role in Hereditary and Lupita Nyong’o’s tour de force acting in last year’s Us.
The Invisible Man is also further proof that Leigh Whannell is one of the most inventive and intriguing directors working in Hollywood right now. It’s a great follow-up to his underrated 2018 movie, Upgrade.
What did you think of The Invisible Man in theaters? Are you looking forward to more Dark Universe films now? Let us know your thoughts in the comments below.
The Invisible Man is now playing in theaters.