Chicago Critics Film Festival 2026 Review – The Invitation

      **The Invite, 2026.**

      Directed by Olivia Wilde.

      Starring Olivia Wilde, Seth Rogen, Penélope Cruz, and Edward Norton.

      **SYNOPSIS:**

      Joe and Angela’s marriage is precariously close to collapse. When they host their mysterious upstairs neighbors for dinner, the evening takes unforeseen turns.

      Before Seth Rogen’s Joe and Olivia Wilde’s character explicitly mention the last time they had sex in The Invite (with Wilde both starring and directing), the private troubles in their marriage are evident in the first ten minutes, before Edward Norton’s Hawk and Penélope Cruz’s Pina join them for dinner. It’s clear that it’s been a long time since they’ve been intimate.

      Angela feels compelled to apologize to the more sexually active couple for the frequent noise from their home during a lengthy renovation. Meanwhile, Joe, who is having a rough day as a music teacher dealing with persistent back pain, is frustrated that she invited them without consulting him first. Angela insists she did, claiming he doesn’t listen, much like he shows no romantic or sexual interest in her anymore. Despite their intent to apologize, it is clear that Joe has been kept awake by their loud night activities, which he comically explains to their unseen young daughter—who is away at a sleepover during the story—as them moving furniture.

      This straightforward, blunt Joe (played by Seth Rogen) threatens to derail the evening by confronting Hawk and Pina about the sexual noises, inadvertently embarrassing Angela in the process. Much of the comedy arises from this chaotic uncertainty, differing from many contemporary comedies (especially those released on streaming that often recycle plots) in that it keeps a tight pace and avoids dull moments. With a sharp script by Rashida Jones and Will McCormack (based on Cesc Gay’s film Sentimental), the actors bring their own essence to their roles, particularly Rogen, who displays an improvised humor reminiscent of his earlier work, while he has been leaning towards more dramatic roles lately.

      Wilde’s direction skillfully avoids traditional shot-reverse-shot techniques, frequently utilizing mirrors to reflect characters into the frame and voyeuristic angles from adjacent rooms, reminding the audience that they are witnessing a volatile situation. This film could have easily relied on the cast’s performances, yet Wilde's direction is strikingly effective (the anxiety-filled score by Devonté Hynes, which feels more suited to a war film, amplifies Joe's discomfort throughout the dinner). It is notable that Wilde and her team maintain a consistently humorous tone at a rapid pace, while also gradually revealing new insights about the characters amidst the jokes.

      Without revealing too much, it is important to note that the interactions among these four characters constantly change, with Joe becoming flustered and attempting to mask his feelings during conversations that put them in a negative light. The underlying reasons for Hawk and Pina's invitation hint at a shift towards a more risqué comedic narrative while also delving into significant themes, such as the meaning of happiness in a relationship, the reasons behind Joe and Angela's discontent, Joe's abandoned dreams and aspirations, and whether sex serves a constructive or destructive purpose based on the individuals' emotional states. Additionally, Angela’s need for sexual happiness surfaces, as her desires, which Joe was unaware of, create new dynamics. The film also operates on a straightforward level, showcasing that neighbors can easily see through pretenses and excessive efforts to impress.

      Ultimately, amid the laughter, the otherwise entertaining and hilarious The Invite reveals, in a touching way, a deeper message, even if it is hinted at early on through a quote by Oscar Wilde. It could be argued that the film quickly diverts from some of its more provocative themes after introducing them. In summary, while it struggles at times to achieve a more profound exploration, it finishes on an emotionally resonant note. Nevertheless, don't hesitate to accept the invitation; this film is a riotous laugh-fest, with its exceptional cast seamlessly complementing each other.

      **Flickering Myth Rating – Film: ★ ★ ★ / Movie: ★ ★ ★ ★**

      Robert Kojder