‘The Invisible Man’ Preview: What to expect from the modern adaptation of a sci-fi classic
H.G Wells was one of the most progressive novelists of his time and his ideas were so futuristic that they stay relevant, even today. If you are a fan of Wells’ works, then you would surely know of ‘The Invisible Man’, a science fiction novel at its best. The story revolves around a scientist who decides to change the refractive index of the human body, to the extent of becoming invisible and makes himself the test subject.
In 1933, Universal Studios picked up the novel and turned it into a television film series, and it was quite successful among fans of science fiction. Now, more than 77 years later, the production giant takes another leap into the future and adapts the original classic into yet another thrilling screenplay for the ‘The Invisible Man’ movie. But here’s what you need to know about the 21st-century rendition of the drama thriller.
First of all, it is not going to be like anything you would have seen in the 1933 series, nor how the story goes in the original book. The 2020 movie featuring Elizabeth Moss in the lead role is more driven towards the female protagonist, Cecilia, and what she goes through when she is hounded by an 'invisible man'. The man is none other than her own ex-boyfriend. The man, who has been abusive to her, now fakes his death and makes her life hell, almost to the extent of driving her insane.
What follows is a horrifying ordeal for Cecilia as she tries to disprove her mental instability to the police and others around her. The only reference you could get from Wells’ original novel is the part where Cecilia’s ex goes invisible and how he does it.
The second thing that is going to make this movie more interesting is Leigh Whannell helming it. Whannell is a name that you could easily associate with some of the most blood-curdling horror movies of recent times. The man behind movies like ‘Insidious’, ‘Upgrade’, etc. brings you another chilling story with this one. He is an expert with horror stories and is known to keep the audience hooked to the screen, so you can expect an edge-of-the-seat experience.
Coming from a director/ writer of hit psychological thriller/ horror movies, ‘The Invisible Man’ could turn out to be one of the best thrillers of the year.
Then, there is also the angle of domestic abuse and violence, connecting the plot to the #MeToo movement which is a highly trending topic of discussion. With a female protagonist to lead the story and weaving in incidents of abuse, it is sure to connect with the female audience and be in sync with current social issues. If you look at it with an alternative perspective, ‘The Invisible Man’ could also be defined as a story of revenge and retribution, and a woman’s fight for justice against abuse and exploitation, when the entire world stands against her.
While you wait for the movie to hit the theaters, you can catch up on the vintage movie or the literary classic.
‘The Invisible Man’ starring Elizabeth Moss and Oliver Jackson-Cohen, releases on Friday, February 28, 2020, at theaters near you.