"The Invisible Man" (2020) - by Allegra

In the industry of cinema, the political, social and cultural aspects of society are often emphasized and represented in the making and production of films. It is important to consider the cinematic productions in a historical and cultural context as each piece of production reflects specific topics and issues related to the time and place in which they are set. As Brigit Cherry explains, the ability of films to reflect current political, social and cultural trends are characteristics of genre cinema. Especially, "horror" and "thriller" movies can be considered as a medium to help the audience digest and reflect on certain issues in their society and confront particular cultural and social taboos (Cherry, 2009). Moreover, as Cherry further argues, horror films can be viewed as a "set of universal anxieties." In this case, cinema acts as a barometer or indicator which reflects the cultural climate in which the film is set (Cherry, 2009). 

The horror-thriller film "The Invisible Man" (2020), directed by Leigh Whannell, is an example of a contemporaneous cinematic production work which depicts specific social issues that are present in nowadays society. The main themes that his horror film addresses, are those of emotional traumas, abusive relationships, and in general gender violence - both psychological and physical. In "The Invisible Man," a woman (Cecilia) begins to believes she is being stalked and gaslit by her abusive boyfriend, even after his apparent suicide. Ultimately she deduces that he has acquired the ability to become invisible. The invisible boyfriend represents a figure of domestic abuse and a cause for trauma and PTSD (post-traumatic stress disorder); he uses his new abilities to further abuse Cecilia. 

Moreover, Whannell's film represents some of what Cherry calls the "grand narratives" of the horror genre; in particular, a "social alienation" and a "need to express the implication of human existence in appropriate aesthetics" (Cherry, 2009). Indeed, "The Invisible Man" expresses implications in women's everyday life; it basically preys on real-world female fears. Cecilia's fear of surveillance develops more and more as her invisible boyfriend abuses her psychologically and physically. He begins by stalking her (e.g., taking pictures of her while she is asleep) and ultimately physically hurts her. "The Invisible Man" boils down the fears of surveillance and domestic abuse to their most extremes. Also, the film's portrayal of a woman being surveilled is scarily real and references to major women's fears that emerged due to nowadays' technology, lack of regulation and easy access to lots of data.