Olivia Wilde's New Movie Is a an Eccentric Comedy With 97% on RT & Full of A-List Stars
Wilde masterfully manipulates the tension, turning dinner into a psychological duel.
Olivia Wilde, known for directing Booksmart and Don't Worry Darling, returns with The Invite, a quirky comedy about the perils of sex.
Based on the Spanish hit The People Upstairs, the film features a stellar cast: Seth Rogen, Penélope Cruz, Edward Norton, and Wilde play two couples who embark on an unusual experiment.
Adapted from a stage play, the movie offers viewers a tense, witty, and slightly awkward comedy about how easily even the strongest relationships can be destroyed.
What Is 'The Invite' About?
Joe and Angela are a married couple who are struggling to keep the spark alive in their relationship. One evening, their peace is disrupted by an invitation from their upstairs neighbors, Hawk and Piña.
The retired firefighter and sex therapist arrive with an unusual proposal: shared sex. Among the obstacles are Joe's sore lower back and the couple's long-standing grievances, frustrations, and fears.
The movie is structured like a stage play, showing the characters getting to know each other, relaxing, and flirting before facing the consequences of their decisions.
'The Invite' Benefits From a Stellar Ensemble and the Theatrical Nature of Its Comedy
Will McCormack and Rashida Jones wrote the screenplay for the American version, in which everyone gets roughly equal amounts of winning lines. Wilde got the exact cast she envisioned – even top actors don't pass up such roles.
Penélope Cruz brings Spanish flair, Seth Rogen relies on his usual rudeness and compelling baritone, and Edward Norton gives his performance favorable depth while keeping a low profile – his character develops slowly, and it is he who delivers the climax.
While not clearly marked by credits, the act divisions here are quite obvious. The first two acts, in which the characters meet, relax, and flirt, are superb. The ambiguous verbal ping-pong is enhanced by offscreen music and slightly disorienting editing that expands the screen space.
Wilde is a master of her craft, creating comedy where awkwardness isn't just on the menu – it's inevitable.
What Did Critics & Viewers Think of 'The Invite'?
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The Invite has 97% from critics and 89% from viewers on Rotten Tomatoes.
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On IMDb, the movie has a score of 7.8/10.
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On Letterboxd, The Invite scored 4.0/5.0.
Where to Watch 'The Invite'?
The Invite is available to buy or rent on Apple TV.
