The Invisible

SYNOPSIS

This crass American remake of a Swedish horror hit fails to replicate its delicate atmosphere. Director David S. Goyer (The Unborn) presents it as a simple teen version of Ghost lacking in suspense, as opposed to a touching and provocative parable of what it means to be invisible, literally and figuratively. In spirit form, Justin Chatwin tries to lead police to his beaten body before death can claim him as well as communing with his would-be murderer, the poor, misunderstood Margarita Levieva. It's a competent chiller though Goyer resorts to rock video clichés to accent the melodrama and diminish its poignancy. The acting is so-so, with Marcia Gay Harden doing the star turn as Chatwin's aloof mother. The visual trickery is reasonably accomplished, however this is a wish-fulfilment fantasy that gives a false impression of the original film. It's saddled with a typically upbeat Hollywood ending, but the heart is missing.