I'm going to try to keep this as spoiler free as possible (even though the film has been out a while) but as usual reader discretion is advised if you want to know absolutely nothing.
Back in 1989 Freddie Mercury of the band Queen sang; "I'm the invisible man. I'm the invisible man. Incredible how you can see right through me". If he had seen this film he might have thought twice before associating himself with that description as there is some extreme psychopathic behaviour now linked to it. I'm joking of course but, as was clear in trailers and promo, the titular transparent chap is very much the antagonist of this film. Gone is the tragic protagonist of the H.G Wells novel and classic Universal monster movie. The lead in this film is very much the victim of the vision-obscured villain, a woman who wants to escape an abusive boyfriend who is played by a fantastic Elisabeth Moss. She carries the movie with seeming ease. Indeed it's pretty much a one-woman show with her and writer/director Leigh Whanell the exceptional stand outs that I'd massively praise.
As you may be aware by now this version of the story serves as an allegory for abusive relationships, gaslighting, controlling partners and other unpleasant real horrors. If you have suffered these then I would give a slight warning here because the tension the film replicates of these things is intense, realistic and affecting. The movie has a light enough touch with this that, for me, it never seemed preachy or like it was on a soapbox. The drama is played for utmost effect and the psychological fear is perfectly captured. As such if you are expecting a blood-splattered gore-fest then this is not going to be for you. The body count is extremely low, but all the more shocking and effective when it happens. Particularly as this is a very realistic world, not seeming like any kind of cliche horror unreality at all (despite the outlandish seeming idea).
This fact led me to my only issue with the movie. Without giving anything away the method of invisibility is probably not what you're expecting, stripped of any magic potion or supernatural elements. I felt uneasy about this for a while but by the film's end I totally understood the reasoning, how everything connected to the story being told and how it all led to pieces of plot that I just loved; individually and as a whole.
In conclusion I tried to apply my critical brain to this but I was just too damn impressed and absolutely loved it. I was, at various times, nervous, shocked, thrilled, heartbroken, surprised & then left thinking about lots of things. Gorgeous direction, cinematography, lighting and a central performance that would win awards if genre film was better regarded. Avoid spoilers and see this if you can (no pun intended); I heartily recommend it!
***** (5/5)
MM
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