An Invisible Sign (2011)

0% of critics liked it
(14 reviews)
34% of users liked it
(1,670 ratings)

Young Mona idolizes her father, a brilliant mathematician. When he suddenly demonstrates signs of mental illness, Mona begins to obsess about numbers, using them to interpret an unpredictable and threatening world. Now an adult (Jessica Alba), Mona's old superstitions and compulsive behaviors… More Young Mona idolizes her father, a brilliant mathematician. When he suddenly demonstrates signs of mental illness, Mona begins to obsess about numbers, using them to interpret an unpredictable and threatening world. Now an adult (Jessica Alba), Mona's old superstitions and compulsive behaviors continue to flourish, but a new job as an elementary school math teacher (a position she both relishes and dreads), may force her out of her protective shell. With imagination and humor, as well as a special sensitivity to the realities of mental illness, AN INVISIBLE SIGN carries a magic all its own. -- (C) IFC Films

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Rating, Runtime: PG-13, 1 hr. 36 min.
Directed By: Marilyn Agrelo
Written By: Pamela Falk, Michael Ellis
Genres: Drama, Comedy

In Theaters: May 6, 2011 Limited
On DVD: Nov 1, 2011
Studio: IFC Films

Critic Reviews

Kevin Thomas, Los Angeles Times
Agrelo clumsily attempts to play jaunty larkiness against somber situations.
Joe Neumaier, New York Daily News
Alba certainly tries her best at portraying not just a beauty but also a beautiful mind, yet very few things add up despite director Marilyn Agrelo's efforts.
Jeannette Catsoulis, New York Times
Cuter than a basket of puppies licking a litter of kittens, "An Invisible Sign" is an excruciatingly whimsical collision of adult themes and kid-friendly aesthetic.
Lou Lumenick, New York Post
What's the sign for boredom?
John Anderson, Variety
Offhandedly charming, if a bit labored in its eccentricity.
Nick Schager, Village Voice
Jessica Alba gets plain-Jane crazy for An Invisible Sign, a syrupy A Beautiful Mind redux.
Brian Orndorf, BrianOrndorf.com
Agrelo bumbles the mystery and borderline insanity of the material. What should be a bold depiction of a frazzled mind is instead a bewildering feature with a tenuous hold on human concerns.
Brent Simon, Screen International
A soupy, entirely unconvincing grab bag of unmotivated behaviors and unearned emotional payoffs, An Invisible Sign feels like part of some woebegone, misguided stab at indie credibility and image adjustment for Jessica Alba.
S. Jhoanna Robledo, Common Sense Media
Lukewarm dramedy is OK for teens but lacks power.
Andrew Schenker, Slant Magazine
The film is a puzzling mix of sentiment, black humor, and loads and loads of nonsensical behavior.
Edward Douglas, ComingSoon.net
Simply put, An Invisible Sign is one of the worst movies we've seen in a very, very long time.
David Noh, Film Journal International
Strictly recommended for those who love their movies quirky, in monstrously large doses.
Eric Hynes, Time Out New York
When an errant ax lands in Alba's thigh, the film goes from inept to kind of brilliantly bad; it's a teachable moment, though lessons learned may vary.
Harvey S. Karten, Compuserve
Too twee to be effective.

Read all 14 critic reviews

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Featured Audience Ratings

Lewis C

Tries desperately to be a quirky indie drama, but all the oddball characters and twee songs in the world can't save this dull and mostly pointless mess. Only diehard fans of Jessica Alba should try sitting through this, and trust me, it's still going to be tough.
Sol C

This film took me by surprise. From the trailer, I wasn't expecting much. However, after watching the film, it took me pleasantly by surprise. I thought it was really well done. This happens to be one of Jessica Alba's best performances so far. She definitely shines here.… More
This film took me by surprise. From the trailer, I wasn't expecting much. However, after watching the film, it took me pleasantly by surprise. I thought it was really well done. This happens to be one of Jessica Alba's best performances so far. She definitely shines here. She has a good on screen chemistry with Chris Messina. Chris is good here too. John Shea and J.K. Simmons provide some solid supporting work here. I definitely recommend this film.
Jason R

One of the quirkiest films you will ever see! Jessica Alba tackles a different kind of role then we are used to seeing her in, and she is absolutely fantastic. Despite the subject matter, An Invisible Sign is surprisingly heartfelt and witty. This kind of flew under the radar, but I… More
One of the quirkiest films you will ever see! Jessica Alba tackles a different kind of role then we are used to seeing her in, and she is absolutely fantastic. Despite the subject matter, An Invisible Sign is surprisingly heartfelt and witty. This kind of flew under the radar, but I strongly recommend checking it out.