The Invite Review
When one thinks of romance comedies, some play up the dramatic element, but still retain a sense of lightheartedness. However, Olivia Wilde, who’s starred in rom-coms like Drinking Buddies and Love the Coopers, is back once again to change the game. Previously, Wilde tried her hand to create a dramedy with the Harry Styles feature, Don’t Worry Darling, which left many conflicted in more ways than one. Four years later, Wilde makes her return to the director’s chair with her latest film, The Invite, which actually has much more to offer than what audiences could guess. In fact, Wilde’s newest dramedy turns out to be a whirlpool of excitement, stimulation, and emotion despite being contained within a single set.
The Invite follows a couple, Angela (Olivia Wilde) and her husband Joe (Seth Rogen), as they attempt to put on a nice dinner party. Angela decided to invite their hot-shot neighbors, Piña (Penélope Cruz) and Hawk (Edward Norton), despite Joe’s hesitancy because of his own doubts. However, things between the couple gradually spiral out of hand as they attempt to gaslight and keep secrets from each other. As Angela and Joe’s marriage falls apart right before them, the real question is whether or not they can truly mend their love.
Despite a wistful opening that sees Angela and Joe playing the piano together, the depressiveness of the situation instantly snaps you into the reality of things. He believes himself to be a failure, but the thing is, he’s not putting the blame on himself. As he barely brings himself to listen to his orchestra class, he carries this pain, both physical and emotional, back to his and Angela’s apartment that’s slightly meant for laughs. However, when Angela tries to get things in order and Devonté Hynes’ titillating music sharply picks up, you gradually feel that tenseness that feels rare to experience.
That’s the mood that Wilde wants audiences to feel: an unnerving dread that makes you believe that nothing will go right. At every turn that Angela tries to please Hawk and Piña, Joe just wants to say what’s on his mind, which Angela continually turns down. Yet, whenever Angela appeases their new friends, she gets told otherwise. The constant back-and-forth between Angela and Joe captures this resentment in a hidden chaotic fashion that could’ve only been possible thanks to Wilde, Will McCormack, and Rashida Jones. This creative team manages to escalate the main duo’s small problems naturally and cohesively, balancing out the internal torment both characters put on each other.
This compliment also goes to Piña and Hawk, whose purpose in this film surprisingly subvert expectations. Initially, you’re meant to believe that these two are trying to get Angela and Joe to split, but this is all just expert misdirection. The split conversations that transition the first two acts play on that trick by having Hawk innocently appreciate Angela’s housework while Joe finds some recreational intimacy with Piña. The way these conversations are edited create this isolation that seems just a bit awkward, but just awkward enough to make you recognize things are a bit off. It really shows in the way that Wilde and Rogen let Angela and Joe feel looser over time, but it’s when that twist hits that turns this film on its head.
That said, the “twist” of The Invite doesn’t really feel like a twist, but a unique shift in storytelling. What was a traditional sizzling rom-com turns into an introspective psychoanalytic session after what I can only describe as a “wild body sensation experience.” Although the introspective therapy session in the final act takes its time, the build-up to that eventual moment is chaotically put together in hilarious ways. The constant bickering between these four characters is perfectly scathing as Angela and Joe’s resentment for each other bounces towards Piña and Hawk. Specifically, there’s a moment where Joe’s annoyance at Hawk’s chosen name peaks, leading to this heated comedic outburst that pushes Joe to his limit.
All of this is really exemplified by the ensemble quartet, which could’ve only been a once-in-a-lifetime deal. Wilde and Rogen’s chemistry successfully makes you uneasy, but hits the right notes to make you laugh. Specifically, the respective internal issues that Joe has really puts Rogen’s dramatic tooth to the test, which certainly keeps you hooked. However, the highlight of The Invite’s cast has to be Cruz, who keeps Piña emotionally reserved through her careful mannerisms. Piña seems playful towards the duo, but only because she wants to understand both perspectives. Hawk, on the other hand, feels more like a mediator who’s more front-facing than Piña, but he has warming up moments to enjoy too.
The Invite also excels in its editing department thanks to Adam Newport-Berra’s intricate cinematography. Utilizing a darker, more colder visual ambience to represent the increasing resentment Angela and Joe have and vice versa, Newport-Berra’s camera work does a good job influencing those undertones. Plus, the editing from Yorgos Mavropsaridis and Anthony Boys nails those callbacks to previous moments. There’s that scene where Angela and Joe are across from each other, separated by an entryway frame. When it changes later on so that Joe and Angela are next to each other, it does make you feel hopeful that maybe things will work out. That said, some of the musical stingers that try to play up the intensity may be a little cheesy, but they’re not too overbearing.
The Invite is a masterful, introspective breakdown of romance as Wilde and company entice you into a therapy session that gradually heats up, but loves to keep you laughing. Having gone in mostly blind about what this film was about, I’m glad to have come out of it with a new understanding of love in a way that only Olivia Wilde could put it in.
Rating: ★★★★⯪
The Invite is now playing in New York and Los Angeles and releases nationwide on July 10.
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Christopher Gallardo is a freelance entertainment writer and critic. While not running The Reel Roller, Chris can be found writing reviews and breakdowns on all things films and TV. Outside of entertainment writing, he’s currently taking classes for a Bachelor’s of Science with a minor in Digital Media & Journalism. Plus, he loves Percy Jackson, animated films and shows, and Fallout! Follow Christopher on Instagram & X.