Griff the Invisible Review (2010): Indie Romance with a Quirky Twist

Genre(s) – Romance, Comedy, Drama
Director – Leon Ford
Writer – Leon Ford
Cast –Ryan Kwanten, Maeve Dermody, Toby Schmitz, Patrick Brammall, Marshall Napier, Heather Mitchell
Runtime –90 Minutes
My Rating – ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐☆☆☆

Where To Watch/Stream Griff the Invisible

It’s sweet and mostly hits the right notes, but at times it nearly drowns in its own quirky charm.

Plot Summary of Griff the Invisible (Spoiler-Free)

Griff the Invisble centers on Griff, played by Ryan Kwanten, a painfully shy and awkward office worker who lets everyone walk over him, especially this annoying bully named Tim. Griff lives a pretty quiet, isolated life, with a concerned brother who checks in on him now and then.

But Griff has a secret, because at night, he transforms into a sort of low-budget superhero in a black rubber suit, complete with a red phone connection to the police commissioner. Yeah, it’s as quirky as it sounds.

Then there’s Melody, a strange but endearing woman obsessed with particle physics and the idea of walking through walls. She still lives with her parents and is just as socially awkward as Griff, but their shared weirdness sparks a unique connection.

Griff the Invisible Review: Is It Worth Watching?

Griff the Invisible is a a sweet, offbeat love story that mostly finds a good balance between being quirky and heartfelt, and while it also definitely stumbles into indie film clichés, it avoids becoming unbearable thanks to some genuinely good performances and a personal story that hits some right notes.

What works really well here is the portrayal of Griff himself. Ryan Kwanten nails the awkward, introverted guy who’s both endearing and a little heartbreaking, and I found myself rooting for him, even when he was stumbling through social situations like a kid in a grown-up world.

You really get why Griff escapes into his superhero fantasies, and why they’re a way to take control of a life where he otherwise feels invisible. And the idea of invisibility itself is handled in a surprisingly thoughtful way, showing how Griff’s shyness actually makes him stand out more, not less.

Maeve Dermody as Melody is also great casting. She’s quirky without being annoying, and her awkwardness come across as very authentic. The chemistry between Griff and Melody is sweet, but it’s more about understanding and acceptance than fireworks and grand gestures.

Now, where the movie trips up a bit is in its indulgence of quirk for quirk’s sake. There are moments where the film gets a little too precious about its weirdness, to the point where it felt like it was trying too hard to be “indie cool.”

The invisibility suit and superhero scenes, while fun, also sometimes distract rather than add depth. Plus, the message about needing to “pass” as normal to survive in the world feels a bit depressing for a film celebrating individuality.

And while the supporting characters, like Griff’s bullying co-worker and his concerned brother, add some texture, they could’ve been developed a bit more.

Still, Griff the Invisible doesn’t overstay its welcome. At around 90 minutes, it’s a quick watch, and the pacing mostly holds up.

It’s a small movie with a big heart that’s worth a look if you like your romances a little off the beaten path.

What I Liked (And What I Didn’t Like)

Pros

Ryan Kwanten’s Performance

Kwanten captures Griff’s awkwardness and vulnerability perfectly. He’s not a polished leading man, and that’s the point, and Kwanten brought enough charm to make you care about this odd little guy.

Sweet Chemistry Between Leads

The dynamic between Griff and Melody is understated but genuine. It’s not some loud, over-the-top romance. It’s quiet, slow, and believable.

Unique Take on Superheroes

I liked the way Griff’s superhero fantasy was both silly and meaningful. It’s not about saving the world, it’s about feeling powerful in a powerless life.

Thoughtful Message About Shyness

The movie smartly shows how being shy or awkward doesn’t make you invisible, in fact, it can make you stand out more, often as a target.

Quirky Without Being Overbearing

For the most part, the film keeps its quirks in check, making them feel like character traits rather than gimmicks. But…

Cons

Overindulgence in Quirk

While the qurikiness works most of the time, you do have moments when the movie just tried way too hard. The superhero scenes, in particular, sometimes felt like distractions that pulled me out of the story a bit instead of adding to it.

Mixed Message About “Passing”

The idea that you have to act normal to “disappear” in the world feels like a downer for a movie about celebrating weirdness. It’s a bit of a letdown when the film seems to suggest conformity is the only way to survive.

Underdeveloped Supporting Characters

While Griff’s brother and co-worker add some depth, they don’t get enough screen time or development. I wanted to know more about them, especially the brother, who seems important but stays mostly in the background.

Predictable Plot Points

There aren’t many surprises here. If you’ve seen indie romances before, you’ll know roughly where this one is headed. That predictability can make it less exciting at times.

Who Might Like Griff the Invisible

• Fans of quiet, character-driven indie films
• People who enjoy awkward, offbeat romances
• Viewers who like superhero stories that aren’t about action or explosions
• Those who like movies about mental health and social anxiety
• Anyone looking for a sweet, low-key love story

Who Might Dislike Griff the Invisible

• Viewers who get annoyed by too much indie quirkiness
• Those looking for traditional superhero action
• People uncomfortable with ambiguous takes on mental health
• Those who dislike predictable storylines

Final Verdict: Is Griff the Invisible Worth Watching?

I enjoyed Griff the Invisible more than I expected.

It’s one of those small indie movies that sneaks under your radar and leaves a gentle impression. Griff’s awkwardness felt real and relatable, and the slow-building romance with Melody was sweet without being overly sentimental.

Yes, it stumbles sometimes, especially when it leans too hard into indie quirks, but those flaws didn’t ruin the experience for me.

It’s a reminder that sometimes, the superheroes we need aren’t wearing capes and flying around, they’re just trying people to survive and maybe, just maybe, find someone who gets them.

For those moments alone, it’s worth the watch.

Griff the Invisible Trailer

Simon Leasher

A lover of cinema for over 35 years, I have watched many films from around the world in many different genres, yet I still normally always come back to trashy slasher horror films when in doubt. More

And yes, The Godfather 2 is better than The Godfather.