Freeze Frame: “The Invisible Man” (R), “Portrait of a Lady on Fire” (R), “Seberg” (R)

A riveting, Oscar-caliber performance from Elizabeth Moss anchors an effective and scary reimagining of the horror chestnut, “The Invisible Man.” Flipping the script to make the victim the focus instead of the title character, this update works as a full-blooded horror film as well as an effective commentary on social issues like bullying and the “Me Too” movement. Yes, “The Invisible Man” is worth seeing.

 

Oscar nominee “Portrait of a Lady on Fire” is a beautifully filmed and sensitively acted period drama, set in 1760s France. A female artist is commissioned to paint a portrait of a young woman who is about to be married against her will. Things get complicated when unexpected romantic sparks develop between them. This edgy drama avoids exploitation and sensationalism. “Portrait of a Lady on Fire” is warm even if it never quite catches fire.

 

Kristen Stewart stars in “Seberg,” the tragic true story of the all-too brief life of actress Jean Seberg, a social activist who made enemies when she supported the Civil Rights movement in the 60s. This should have been a fascinating and troubling movie but sputters due to lackluster execution.

 

Also opening this week, “Once Were Brothers: Robbie Robertson and The Band” is a documentary about the seminal roots rock group. “Varda by Agnès” is an autobiographical documentary from the acclaimed French filmmaker. “Homeward” is a sneaky animated “mockbuster” that aims to get ticket-buying parents to confuse it with the upcoming Disney/Pixar fantasy, “Onward.” “Guns Akimbo” is a video-game style action flick starring Daniel Radcliffe. A woman returns to her hometown years after witnessing a kidnapping in the mystery, “Disappearance of Clifton Hill.” “My Hero Academia: Heroes Rising” is an anime fantasy based on the TV series. “Premature” is a romantic drama set in contemporary Harlem.


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