Review of "The Invite" at the Chicago Critics Film Festival 2026

      The Invite, 2026.

      Directed by Olivia Wilde.

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

      SYNOPSIS:

      Joe and Angela's marriage is shaky. When they invite their mysterious upstairs neighbors for a dinner party, the evening takes unforeseen turns.

      Before Joe (Seth Rogen) and Angela (Olivia Wilde) explicitly mention the last time they had sex in The Invite (with Wilde also directing), we glimpse the underlying issues in their relationship for about ten minutes, until their neighbors, Hawk (Edward Norton) and Pina (Penélope Cruz), show up for dinner. It's evident that a long time has passed since they were intimate.

      Angela wishes to apologize to the more sexually active couple for the frequent noise from their home during a lengthy renovation period. In contrast, Joe, who is already having a bad day as a music teacher dealing with persistent back pain, is furious that she invited them without consulting him (she argues she had tried multiple times and that he doesn’t listen, highlighting his lack of romantic interest in her). He also feels irritated that they will be the ones apologizing for the noise when Hawk and Pina's loud sexual activities often keep him awake at night (amusingly justifying it to their unseen young daughter – at a sleepover during the film's events – as moving furniture around).

      Consequently, the no-nonsense and straightforward Joe (Seth Rogen) threatens to derail the entire evening by confronting Hawk and Pina about the erotic sounds, thereby embarrassing Angela. Much of the film's humor derives from this chaotic uncertainty, which, unlike most contemporary comedies (especially those that seem to be poorly received on streaming services, recycling the same plots), is filled with wit and lively pacing. Thanks to a sharp script from Rashida Jones and Will McCormack (adapted from Cesc Gay’s film Sentimental), the actors bring distinct elements of themselves into their roles, particularly Seth Rogen, who showcases impressive improvisation that resonates with audiences unlike his more dramatic recent film roles.

      Olivia Wilde's direction stands out by avoiding the typical shot-reverse-shot format, consistently utilizing mirrors to reflect characters into the frame, or voyeuristic angles from adjacent rooms, creating an awareness of the tension in the situation. This film could easily have relied on performances alone; instead, Wilde has infused it with dynamic direction, complemented by an anxiety-inducing score by Devonté Hynes that feels more suited for a war film, heightening Joe's discomfort throughout the dinner.

      What’s impressive is not only how Wilde and her team maintain a rapid-fire humor but also how they consistently introduce new revelations about the characters amidst the laughs. Without revealing too much, it’s clear that the dynamics between these four individuals shift frequently, with Joe at times flustered and trying to navigate conversations that portray them poorly. The reason behind Hawk and Pina's invitation is explored, creating a balance between a raunchy sex comedy and a deeper examination of meaningful themes including what happiness in a relationship entails, why Joe and Angela are unhappy together, Joe's neglected dreams and ambitions, and whether sex is a constructive or destructive force depending on the emotional states of those involved. Angela's desires, including her need to feel sexually desired, are also brought to light, revealing aspects of their relationship that Joe wasn't aware of.

      On a simpler level, it illustrates how neighbors can see through attempts at deception or the urge to impress.

      In summary, amidst the uproarious laughter, The Invite emerges as a film that meaningfully explores deeper themes, despite its mainstream sensibilities that may gloss over some kinkier ideas. While it grapples with significant concepts and ultimately concludes on an emotional note, it remains an entertaining experience. Accept the invitation; this film delivers a wave of laughter thanks to its remarkable ensemble cast, who effortlessly complement one another.

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

      Robert Kojder