The Abuser in the Machine: The Invisible Man (2020) as Modern Gothic Horror

Abstract

By modernizing Gothic tropes within a narrative exploring the trauma of intimate partner violence, the latest film adaptation of The Invisible Man from Leigh Whannel draws attention to the invisibility of the psychological and societal horrors of abuse. With a blend of psychological and physical horror, this feminist reinterpretation of H.G. Wells’ classic novel navigates intersecting genres of horror to facilitate its emotional impact. In a close reading of the cinematic techniques and plot through a Gothic lens, Whannell’s version of ‘The Invisible Man’ reveals its successful reflection of the dangers of technology-enabled control’s capacity to reinforce societal compliance in gender-based violence.