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The Invisible Man (2020)

2020 • 2h 4m • Horror, Thriller • R
On September 29, 2026
#478▼ 44
478th by Pulse movie online
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All reviews

Manuel São Bento on The Invisible Man

8/10 · Mar 3, 2020

I usually avoid trailers, particularly for movies that are generating a lot of buzz, and I was extra cautious with The Invisible Man. After hearing complaints about the trailer, I made sure to steer clear of any previews. As the release date approached, the overwhelmingly positive reactions piqued my interest, so naturally, I became excited. I’m a big fan of The Handmaid's Tale, and I always figured it was only a matter of time before Elisabeth Moss showcased her remarkable acting skills in a major film role—she just needed the right project. This feels like another instance where the Academy will overlook Elisabeth Moss’s performance when awards season rolls around. While I acknowledge that comparing actors across different years isn't entirely fair, and something considered “great” one year might only be “okay” the next due to the overall quality of films and performances in a given year, it's still difficult to ignore. If Moss truly delivers the best performance of the year, she deserves recognition regardless of what happened previously. I genuinely believe she should be among those seriously considered for awards; not necessarily nominated, but certainly worth mentioning when ballots are being filled out. She’s consistently impressive throughout the entire film, with no dips in her level of skill. The adaptation of The Invisible Man is likely the most grounded and relevant take on the story that could have been made. Leigh Whannell chose a profoundly important and sensitive real-world theme to explore: domestic violence and abuse. It's a remarkably clever screenplay full of subtle details that resonate with the experiences many people—both women and men—face. It’s one of the best horror films I’ve seen recently when it comes to creating a tense, frightening atmosphere rooted in realism. The sci-fi element of dealing with an invisible person enhances the suspense, and the unsettling silence and score work incredibly well because they allow you to feel the protagonist's fear. Stefan Duscio’s cinematography is key to the film’s palpable tension; the camera often lingers on one side of a room, creating uncertainty about whether something or someone is present. This point-of-view approach works exceptionally well throughout the movie. Seeing what the main character sees allows you to share her thoughts and feelings—that uneasy sense that something isn't right. Then, Whannell demonstrates an understanding of his film’s potential weaknesses. When the entertainment value starts to wane, and the audience becomes accustomed to the long, suspenseful sequences (where not much happens), he introduces a shocking plot twist in a truly breathtaking way. This shift revitalizes the energy and keeps you on the edge of your seat until the very end. However, the ending feels somewhat underwhelming and perhaps overly dramatic regarding certain character choices. I won’t go into specifics to avoid spoilers, but I don't think the final scene aligns with everything that came before. While I understand and respect this narrative decision, I question whether it conveys the intended message. The supporting cast delivers solid performances, though some of their decisions stretch credibility a bit, but I’ll refrain from dwelling on minor issues. Ultimately, The Invisible Man lives up to all the hype surrounding it. Leigh Whannell has crafted a genuinely frightening and intensely suspenseful horror film centered around a traumatic real-life situation that unfortunately affects many people. Elisabeth Moss delivers an emotionally powerful performance, showcasing her impressive acting abilities which are likely to be overlooked during awards season—a common bias against the horror genre. The screenplay is incredibly well-written and intelligent, complemented by stunning cinematography from Stefan Duscio. Benjamin Wallfisch’s haunting score also stands out, particularly when it opts for complete silence. I'm not a fan of the slightly disjointed ending because some character choices seem unbelievable, and the final message didn’t quite land as intended. Nevertheless, it’s one of the best films released so far this year, so don’t miss it! Rating: A-

Source on TMDB