Considering the high concept premise, I was surprised at how poorly the story was executed. The idea is reminiscent of Just Like Heaven with a thriller twist. Proudly acknowledging its Sixth Sense heritage (same producers) The Invisible is hardly worthy of comparison.
The story pace lagged, overemphasized Nick's inability to interact with the physical environment, and failed miserably to secure a solid conclusion. On a positive note, I compliment the writers on developing empathy between Nick Powell and the girl who nearly killed him, Annie Newton. To go from hating each other to a mutual understanding despite the violent encounter was a much needed supplement to the lack of overall mystery.
Apparently high concept ideas don't compensate for poor execution. This is especially evident in the finale of the film where Annie's definition of redemption is finally telling the police where the body was stashed. Before that we're supposed to buy into the idea that she was shot trying to save Nick's life. A noble effort had it been properly handled. After coercing Nick's location out of her boyfriend at gunpoint, he pulls out his concealed gun and shoots Annie. Obviously she didn't know her life was at risk in exchange for this information.
In a confusing attempt to "do one thing good" Annie ignores several opportunities to receive medical care, evades cops, and sneaks into Nick's hospital room to "save him". We're supposed to believe that her apologetic presence and bedside demise were necessary for Nick's reawakening. The final image of Annie passing away whilst Nick returns to life could've been powerful, were it not so contrived. Knowingly and willingly consenting to sacrifice herself in order to locate Nick's dying body is unconditionally redeemable and would've provided a more convincing conclusion.
The story pace lagged, overemphasized Nick's inability to interact with the physical environment, and failed miserably to secure a solid conclusion. On a positive note, I compliment the writers on developing empathy between Nick Powell and the girl who nearly killed him, Annie Newton. To go from hating each other to a mutual understanding despite the violent encounter was a much needed supplement to the lack of overall mystery.
Apparently high concept ideas don't compensate for poor execution. This is especially evident in the finale of the film where Annie's definition of redemption is finally telling the police where the body was stashed. Before that we're supposed to buy into the idea that she was shot trying to save Nick's life. A noble effort had it been properly handled. After coercing Nick's location out of her boyfriend at gunpoint, he pulls out his concealed gun and shoots Annie. Obviously she didn't know her life was at risk in exchange for this information.
In a confusing attempt to "do one thing good" Annie ignores several opportunities to receive medical care, evades cops, and sneaks into Nick's hospital room to "save him". We're supposed to believe that her apologetic presence and bedside demise were necessary for Nick's reawakening. The final image of Annie passing away whilst Nick returns to life could've been powerful, were it not so contrived. Knowingly and willingly consenting to sacrifice herself in order to locate Nick's dying body is unconditionally redeemable and would've provided a more convincing conclusion.
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