The Invisible Man  ★★★

THERE are umpteen film versions of HG Wells’ classic story of a man who becomes invisible.

In some of them it happens accidentally and the man in question isn’t happy with the concept.

But the more modern take features a madman who uses the ability for nefarious purposes.

In the 2020 version of The Invisible Man he’s a wealthy, brilliant scientist who makes his Girlfriend’s life hell.

Adrian Griffin completely controls Cecilia Kass’s life, telling her what to do, where to go, who she can see and even what she wears.

His emotional abuse also comes with the constant threat of physical danger.

When Cecilia leaves him during the night he flies into a rage which eventually leads to his depression and suicide.

But Cecilia’s feelings of freedom change with a series of strange occurrences causing problems with family and work.

When she starts to feel an unseen presence around her, the doubts grow as to whether Adrian is really dead.

Cecilia’s sanity begins to unravel as she desperately tries to prove that she is being hunted by someone nobody can see.

I like this film, directed by Australia’s Leigh Whannell, for several reasons.

Firstly it delivers a clever, modern twist on the story with Adrian a violent mysogionist at his core and Cecilia a woman prepared to fight back.

Secondly, apart from the climax, it takes the risk of trying to maintain the notion of a completely unseen entity attacking.

And, most importantly, the film takes its time, building character while slowly ratcheting up the tension.

Elizabeth Moss is good in the lead role, even managing to make some of the scenes believable where she fights with her invisible tormentor.

Along with The Grudge, this is one of the best horror release to date for 2020.