The Hollow Man

Like Dracula, Frankenstein and The Mummy, H.G. Wells’ “The Invisible Man” is a vintage classic Hollywood monster that has spawned numerous film adaptations, whether they’re more-or-less straight remakes or new twists on the concept.  Since the original B&W 1933 film featuring the bandage-and-dark glasses wearing character, Hollywood has been continuously fascinated with “the man who can’t be seen” over the years, mostly as a perfect killer who can get away with murder.

 

Genre veteran Leigh Whannell’s latest iteration of ‘The Invisible Man’ is seemingly no different, at least on the surface.  However, he was savvy enough to center his story not on the invisible man himself but on Cecilia (“Handmaid” Elizabeth Moss), his terrorized and abused wife who thought she had escaped him for good after he reportedly committed suicide.  Except he faked his own death (no spoiler here since it was suggested in the movie’s trailer) and used his newfound freedom and invisibility to gaslight and terrorize her further in a sadistic attempt to drive her cuckoo for cocoa puffs and frame her for murder.

 

Amazingly enough, while the new ‘The Invisible Man’ is derivative and offered little in the way of plot surprises and twists, it possesses enough freshness, scares and suspense for an enjoyable and entertaining viewing experience.  Much of this had to do with the underrated but talented Moss who, as the film progressed, exuded a feminine vulnerability, fearful desperation, wild-eyed manic intensity and “I’ve got nothing left to lose” determination in her role as the film’s compelling protagonist.

 

Grade: A