When it was released in theaters less than a month ago, “The Invisible Man” looked like a breakout hit with a topical twist: This modern-day adaptation of the H.G. Wells science-fiction novel tells the story of a Bay Area woman, played by Elisabeth Moss, whose abusive ex-boyfriend (Oliver Jackson-Cohen) has apparently committed suicide and left her a large sum of money. But when she tries to move forward, she is unable to convince others that her unseen ex might still be stalking her.

Moss, the Emmy Award-winning star of “The Handmaid’s Tale,” was widely praised for her performance in “The Invisible Man” (written and directed by Leigh Whannell of “Saw” and “Insidious” fame), and the film had sold more than $122 million in tickets worldwide before the coronavirus pandemic shuttered most movie theaters. Now, “The Invisible Man” is one of a few new movies that Universal Pictures will release Friday through on-demand video services, in a break from longstanding entertainment industry traditions. (Also due Friday, at a cost of $20 for a 48-hour rental, are “The Hunt” and “Emma.”)

In a phone interview on Wednesday, Moss said she supported this experiment and was hopeful it would help “The Invisible Man” reach more viewers. “This is all new territory for everyone,” she said. “It’s an inevitable move. I also think that it’s a brave move.” She added, “If we can provide a couple hours of escape for people who are at home, and they can get a chance to forget about things for a second, that’s great.”

Moss spoke about the contemporary themes of “The Invisible Man,” its insights into the nature of abuse and how horror movies can still offer relief in anxious times. These are edited excerpts from that conversation.