Film Review – The Invitation (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 in trouble. When they invite their mysterious upstairs neighbors for a dinner party, the evening takes unexpected turns.

      Before the last time Joe (Seth Rogen) and Angela (Olivia Wilde) explicitly mention their sexual encounters in The Invite (with Wilde doubling as director), the underlying issues in their marriage become evident in the first ten minutes. Their neighbors, Hawk (Edward Norton) and Pina (Penélope Cruz), arrive for the dinner just as Joe is having a rough day as a music teacher grappling with back pain. Angela, wanting to apologize for the noise that has come from their home during renovations, is hopeful, while Joe is furious that she invited them without consulting him. He feels resentful that they will be apologizing for the noise when it's actually Hawk and Pina’s loud activities that keep him awake at night, humorously explained to their young daughter during a sleepover as them moving furniture around.

      Joe's blunt demeanor threatens to ruin the evening as he contemplates confronting Hawk and Pina about their noisy escapades, embarrassing Angela along the way. Much of the humor stems from this chaotic tension, which, unlike many contemporary comedies (particularly those lost in the streaming eco-system), maintains a brisk pace with little downtime. The sharp script by Rashida Jones and Will McCormack (adapted from Cesc Gay’s film Sentimental) allows each actor to infuse their essence into their roles, particularly Seth Rogen, who seems to deliver comedic improvisation reminiscent of his earlier work on TV, but less so in recent films which have leaned towards drama.

      Olivia Wilde’s direction prevents the actors from defaulting into a standard shot-reverse-shot format, utilizing mirrors to reflect characters within the frame and employing voyeuristic angles that highlight the tension of the situation. Rather than relying solely on performances, Wilde skillfully directs the film (alongside a suspenseful score by Devonté Hynes that adds a sense of unease each time the dinner escalates Joe's discomfort). It's impressive how the team sustains humor at such a rapid pace while continuously unfolding new details about the characters amidst the jokes.

      Without revealing too much, the dynamics between the four characters often shift, with Joe caught off guard and attempting to navigate conversations that could portray them unfavorably. Additionally, the true reason for Hawk and Pina’s invitation hints at transitioning the narrative towards a raunchy sex comedy, while also addressing deeper themes of happiness in relationships, why Joe and Angela are unhappy together, Joe’s abandoned dreams, and whether sex is a constructive or destructive force, depending on the emotional states of those involved. The film also delves into Angela's emotional needs for sexual fulfillment, unearthing desires Joe was unaware of. Moreover, it showcases the straightforward nature of neighbors seeing through pretenses.

      Indeed, amid the laughter, The Invite cleverly manages to convey a poignant message, underscored by its opening quote from Oscar Wilde. There is a case to be made that, while the film presents mainstream ideas, it sometimes quickly skirts around its kinkier themes. It does grapple with deeper concepts, even as it concludes on an emotional note. In short, accept the invitation; this film is a riotous experience, showcasing a talented ensemble that harmonizes beautifully.

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

      Robert Kojder