This Halloween, I’m Watching Domestic Violence Horror

The Invisible Man2020

Cecilia, played by Elisabeth Moss, finally escapes her controlling boyfriend and flees from his massive mansion. As she tries to adapt to her new life—overcoming her PTSD and venturing out looking for a job—she can’t shake the feeling that someone’s lurking in the shadows. Then comes the shocking news: her abusive ex has committed suicide.  Strange occurrences start to happen, leading her to become convinced that there really is an invisible man. No one believes her, though; they all think she’s lost her mind. 

This is the premise of the 2020 thriller The Invisible Man. It wasn’t until the other day, as I prepare for the Halloween-themed challenge on Peliplat, that I realized how fitting this film is for Halloween. 

Typically, we aim to strike a balance between fear and fun this time of year. But since Halloween is also about family, why can’t it touch on the theme of domestic violence, even if it doesn’t bring any joy? It’s not madness—domestic abuse is one of the most “invisible” horrors in society, scarier than any ghost in a white sheet! 

Many classic horror films rely on supernatural elements like ghosts, vampires, and monsters that never comb their hair. But I’ve always felt the true horror lies in human evil. The scariest horror movies are the ones that could actually happen in real life. The Invisible Man brilliantly transforms the plight of women facing domestic violence into a horror narrative, sharply critiquing how patriarchal society turns a blind eye to and conceals the manipulation and abuse of women. 

The biggest challenge for horror films is how to refreshingly create fear. A Quiet Place (2018) uses sound control to build tension; Lights Out (2016) plays with light; Hereditary (2018) manipulates space and perspective. In The Invisible Man, the standout feature is the camera movement. The way the camera glides and zooms creates the perfect perspective for the existence of an invisible person and being uncontrollably gazed by him, making each move feel suffocating and oppressive. This visual style adds an incredible layer of mystery. 

The concept of invisible horror perfectly aligns with domestic abuse, suggesting that women as a whole exist within constant, unseen violence. Unlike public areas, home is a private space where domestic violence lurks, making it hard to expose. The "invisible" nature of this danger traps victims in an unspeakable silence, preventing them from seeking protection. Even worse, people often interpret a woman’s fear as mere neuroticism. This invisible terror, therefore, perfectly reflects the realities women face in abusive situations. 

Sure, the 'invisibility' technology of The Invisible Man may not stand up to scrutiny, but instead of nitpicking the logic behind it, it’s more worthwhile to focus on the emotional truth. It captures a state of being, the psychology and feelings of someone trapped in a twisted, controlling relationship. Additionally, the film doesn't shy away from the judgment of 'overreacting', a comment that can leave victims in a passive fear. That looming threat will have you second-guess along with Cecilia, wondering if that seemingly empty space actually hides something. Elisabeth Moss's performance is phenomenal, especially in scenes where she acts with no one else present. You can truly see her talent the moments she conveys “I’m not crazy, but everyone thinks I am.” 

On a side note, I would like to mention the more lighthearted romantic film It Ends with Us, which has had its fair share of marketing blunders. While it touches on domestic violence too, it handles the topic quite differently. It feels like eating a stale candy—sweet but not enough to hit hard. There is no need to comapre films of different genres, as they simply offer different narrative choices. I'm just illustrating that I prefer The Invisible Man when it comes to the subject of domestic violence.  

If I’m watching a film about domestic violence, I want it to genuinely terrify me, not just serve up a bunch of romantic clichés.  

Anyway, happy Halloween! Wishing you a joyful and harmonious family life.