Universal Pictures submitted a 2020 slate of films for awards consideration. This includes: News of the World, The King of Staten Island, The Croods: A New Age and Trolls World Tour. The fifth film Universal submitted was the one that got my attention- The Invisible Man. I can get fully behind this movie for Best Picture, Leigh Whannell for Best Director and Elizabeth Moss for Best Actress.
The Invisible Man was a commercial success. It grossed $143 million on a budget of $7 million. The new take on the classic Invisible Man was a critical success as well with a 91% Certified Fresh score on Rotten Tomatoes. It also happened to be the last movie I’ve seen in a theater.
Elizabeth Moss stars as Cecilia Kass, a woman who escapes from her violent controlling partner (Oliver Jackson-Cohen). He is a wealthy scientist who lives in an impressive property above crashing ocean waves. (Kudos to the sound team, including Paul “Salty” Brincat, Will Files and P.K. Hooker, for the immersive experience.)
Moss is fully deserving of a Best Actress nomination. The Handmaid’s Tale star pulls off a tour de force performance. On screen for most of the 124 minute run time, Moss perfectly captures being hunted by an unseen adversary before brilliantly turning the tables. Definitely one of the rare actors who can keep you glued to their every move (think Harrison Ford in The Fugitive, another epic thriller).
Leigh Whannell, the Australian director and writer, masterfully knows how to turn the dials to increase the building tension. The “restaurant scene”, which Whannell broke down recently for Entertainment Weekly, is the among the most memorable moments put on film this past year.
Aldis Hodge, who was so memorable on the Star Trek Discovery short Calypso, is Cecilia’s supportive police officer childhood friend who assists while she is hiding out.
We should also acknowledge Stefan Duscio for Best Cinematography and Andy Canny for Best Film Editing.
