Yahoo Movies 'The Invisible Man' first reactions dub Leigh Whannell a 'full blown master of horror'
The first reactions to director Leigh Whannell’s new take on The Invisible Man are lauding the filmmaker as a “full blown master of horror”.
Some critics in the USA have had the chance to catch an early preview of the movie and, according to them, it’s “incredible” and “a masterclass in tension and terror”.
Inspired by H.G. Wells’ 1897 novel and its 1933 film adaptation starring Claude Rains, the movie reboots the title character in a modern context focusing on issues relevant to today.
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Elisabeth Moss plays a woman who stands to inherit a lot of money following the apparent suicide of her abusive husband, portrayed by The Haunting of Hill House star Oliver Jackson-Cohen.
She begins to believe that her husband faked his demise and has used his skills as a scientist to make himself invisible in order to torment her even in “death”.
If the early buzz is to be believed, Upgrade director and Saw co-creator Whannell has produced something truly special.
My review of #TheInvisibleMan - I needed to pee the entire film but couldn't move. Then got home and was convinced an invisible entity was standing in the corner watching me. It's *that* great. Incredible script, direction and Moss is 👌👌👌👌 pic.twitter.com/xtq4X7gR9W
— Julian Wright (@JulianHWright) February 13, 2020
Wow: #TheInvisibleMan elevates @LWhannell to a full blown master of horror. Beautifully written, impeccably shot and some of the most suffocating moments of genuine terror you’ll ever experience.
— Josh Kellett (@joshjkellett) February 6, 2020
After seeing #TheInvisibleMan I’m excited for more and more people to see it. Truly a modern horror story with no ghosts, just the terror of reality. Goes without saying that Elisabeth Moss is brilliant
— Danielle McGrane (@DanielleMcGrane) February 6, 2020
Brief thoughts (since I've seen some others talking about it): W/#TheInvisibleMan, Leigh Whannell has crafted a masterclass in tension and terror, and I think my jaw was left on the floor at least twice. Completely thrilling, visceral and emotional. https://t.co/Fe33k7hgRO
— Heather Wixson (@thehorrorchick) February 12, 2020
#TheInvisibleMan is a terrifying masterpiece of futuristic horror noir brilliantly directed by @LWhannell . #ElisabethMoss is outstanding! You’ll FEEL every second of her claustrophobic fear. #BenjaminWallfisch ‘s score is a contender for best score of 2020. What an experience... pic.twitter.com/PdiY8VmDl8
— John Rocha (@TheRochaSays) February 12, 2020
The Invisible Man is tension filled thrill-ride from start to finish. Leigh Whannell perfectly updates the 1933 classic for modern times as Elizabeth Moss delivers a haunting & captivating performance that is amongst some of her finest work to date. #TheInvisibleMan is intense. pic.twitter.com/b5D2qISTQO
— Scott Menzel (@TheOtherScottM) February 12, 2020
The project emerged from the ashes of the Dark Universe, which aimed to bring all of the classic Universal Monsters together into an enormous shared cinematic franchise, starting with the 2017 update of The Mummy.
Johnny Depp had signed on to portray the Invisible Man in that universe.
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The box office struggles of The Mummy put the brakes on the ambitious plans for the Dark Universe, with numerous ongoing projects shelved by Universal.
Despite the star power of Tom Cruise, The Mummy only managed a solid but unimpressive $409m (£313m) from a hefty budget of $125m (£96m) and was savaged by critics.
Whannell’s The Invisible Man is the first project to get off the ground since the Dark Universe collapsed.
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However, the long-mooted Brides of Frankenstein looks like it might be creaking into life and Dexter Fletcher is working on a movie based around Dracula’s henchman.
The Invisible Man is in UK cinemas from 28 February.
