Early reviews for Universal Pictures' The Invisible Man remake are beginning to come in, marking the studio's shift from a shared cinematic universe between its classic monster properties to smaller, more horror-oriented reimaginings.
The change in strategy appears to have paid off, with the Elisabeth Moss-starring remake currently boasting an impressive 90 percent on Rotten Tomatoes. Critics laud the cast's performances -- with Moss particularly praised for carrying the film -- along with genuine scares delivered by writer/director Leigh Whannell.
For comparison, the studio's first attempt to launch its shared cinematic universe -- officially announced under the moniker Dark Universe -- with 2017's The Mummy earned a mere 16 percent on Rotten Tomatoes, with a 35 percent audience score. The poor critical and box office reception ultimately led to Universal abandoning its ambitious plans.
The new incarnation of The Invisible Man loosely adapts the H.G. Wells novel and subsequent film adaptations, with a young woman inheriting her abusive ex-boyfriend's home and fortune. As she settles into her new life, the woman quickly discovers that not only is her ex alive but also menacing her and her loved ones after somehow becoming invisible.
The Invisible Man is written and directed by Leigh Whannell and stars Elisabeth Moss, Oliver Jackson-Cohen, Aldis Hodge, Harriet Dyer and Storm Reid. The film arrives in theaters Feb. 28.