The Invisible Man (2020) reinvents one of the oldest horror concepts for modern audiences. Originating from H.G. Wells’ 1897 novel, the Invisible Man character became iconic through Universal’s early 20th-century monster films. Updating such a classic, however, has proven challenging over the decades, with many adaptations failing to resonate with contemporary viewers.
Writer-director Leigh Whannell, though, successfully reinvents the story, blending psychological tension with horror in a way that feels fresh, cerebral, and emotionally charged. Unlike many recent Universal monster films that struggled, The Invisible Man manages to connect with audiences through its mix of suspense, realistic fear, and supernatural elements.
One of the most significant changes in this version is the introduction of multiple invisible men. The film complicates the narrative by suggesting Adrian’s brother, Tom, could be behind some of the crimes. This twist keeps both the protagonist, Cecilia (played by Elisabeth Moss), and viewers questioning the identity of the villain. By exploring the possibility that the real threat might not be Adrian alone, Whannell deepens the film’s exploration of trust, doubt, and the toxic nature of manipulative relationships, keeping suspense high throughout.
While the film toys with ambiguity, the climax confirms Adrian as the primary antagonist. He orchestrates an elaborate scheme involving his brother to fake his death and stage a kidnapping, reinforcing his role as the abusive and controlling invisible man. Tom is complicit but ultimately secondary to Adrian’s machinations. This revelation underscores the story’s psychological dimension: the horror lies not only in invisibility but in Adrian’s abusive behavior and manipulative intelligence, which amplify his power over Cecilia and those around him.
Adrian’s Abuse Amplified, Cecilia’s Struggle, and Her Clever Revenge Against Manipulation
Unlike previous iterations of the story, the 2020 remake focuses on Adrian’s abusive motives rather than purely scientific or nefarious ambitions. Adrian’s invisibility intensifies his preexisting manipulative tendencies, allowing him to systematically isolate and terrorize Cecilia. His actions extend beyond emotional abuse; he frames her for murder and attempts to control her life completely. By using invisibility as a tool for psychological torment, the film highlights the terrifying reality of abusive relationships, making the horror deeply personal and grounded in real-world fears.
Nick Kici as Taylor (The Invisible Man/Universal Pictures)A dark subplot involves Cecilia’s pregnancy, which occurs amidst her conflict with Adrian. The film deliberately keeps the timeline ambiguous, leaving open the disturbing possibility that Adrian assaulted her after their breakup. The narrative suggests that Adrian may have even tampered with her birth control, reinforcing the themes of control and manipulation. This ambiguity enhances the film’s psychological horror, compelling viewers to grapple with the unsettling implications of Adrian’s continued dominance and Cecilia’s precarious position.
The film’s ending empowers Cecilia as she takes control of her own fate. Using Adrian’s invisibility suit and security system, she orchestrates a scenario that makes it appear as though Adrian commits suicide. By manipulating the situation to expose Adrian’s crimes and remove his threat, Cecilia enacts a form of justice that is both clever and satisfying. Her strategy demonstrates her growth from victim to survivor, highlighting resourcefulness and intelligence, and turning the tables on her abuser in a psychologically and narratively gratifying way.
Exploring Abuse, Trauma, and Empowerment Through Horror in The Invisible Man Film
At its core, The Invisible Man is a story about the psychological and emotional toll of abusive relationships. Beyond the supernatural elements, the narrative examines how toxic behavior fosters fear, dependence, and trauma. Cecilia’s journey emphasizes self-respect, independence, and the capacity to overcome manipulation. The film succeeds in merging horror with social commentary, illustrating that the true terror is often human cruelty, which can be amplified by extraordinary circumstances like invisibility.
The Invisible Man received widespread acclaim, breaking the trend of poorly received recent Universal monster films. Critics and audiences alike praised the film for its suspense, originality, and Elisabeth Moss’s performance. Rotten Tomatoes rated it 91% fresh, while audience scores reached 88%. Reviewers highlighted the ending as a perfect capstone, combining satisfaction, cleverness, and psychological depth. TIME critic Stephanie Zacharek noted the film’s delicate balance: it makes viewers root for Cecilia while confronting the reality of abuse, emphasizing both the suspense and the emotional resonance of her journey.
Despite its acclaim, some fans raised questions about the plausibility of the ending. Reddit discussions debated whether Cecilia’s manipulation of the invisibility suit and staged suicide would be fully convincing to authorities, noting potential narrative holes. Nevertheless, these critiques are minor compared to the overwhelming praise for the film’s clever storytelling, thematic depth, and Moss’s compelling performance. The ending succeeds in providing closure while reinforcing the movie’s central messages of survival, intelligence, and empowerment in the face of abuse.
