Olivia Wilde, Seth Rogen, Penélope Cruz and Edward Norton appear in The Invite by Olivia Wilde, an official selection of the 2026 Sundance Film Festival. Courtesy of Sundance Institute | photo c/o The Invite
Olivia Wilde’s latest film, The Invite, offers a captivating exploration of relationships through the lens of a seemingly ordinary dinner party. Set in San Francisco, the film showcases Wilde as both director and star, alongside Seth Rogen. This dramedy, which premiered on March 15, 2024, subverts typical expectations of a dinner gathering, delivering sharp dialogue and unexpected emotional depth.
The premise revolves around two couples coming together for an evening of food and conversation. As the film unfolds, it plays with familiar tropes, such as light-hearted banter that gradually reveals deeper tensions. Wilde and Rogen portray Joe and Angela, a long-married couple whose bickering hints at unresolved issues beneath their domestic façade. The film captures the intricacies of modern relationships, drawing comparisons to classics like Who’s Afraid of Virginia Woolf? and the early works of Woody Allen.
Character Dynamics and Humor
Joe, a former indie-rock musician turned associate professor, grapples with feelings of inadequacy. Angela, an art school graduate, finds herself caught in a web of anxiety and unfulfilled dreams. Together, they invite their glamorous neighbors, Pina (played by Penélope Cruz) and Hawk (portrayed by Edward Norton), who represent a stark contrast to their own struggles. Pina, a psychotherapist, and Hawk, a retired firefighter with a laid-back demeanor, introduce a new layer of complexity to the evening’s dynamics.
As the couples interact, the dialogue flows naturally, often overlapping in a way that reflects real-life conversations. Joe’s sharp wit clashes with Angela’s nervous energy, creating a tension that is both entertaining and relatable. The film cleverly juxtaposes the couples’ differing approaches to intimacy and relationships, building to a pivotal moment when Pina and Hawk reveal their unconventional lifestyle, inviting Joe and Angela to join them in a foursome.
Exploration of Themes
Wilde’s direction brings a sense of authenticity to the film, with the apartment setting feeling lived-in and genuine. The cinematography captures the characters’ emotional states, further enhancing the story’s impact. The film does not shy away from addressing themes of loneliness, desire, and the complexities of human connection. It invites viewers to consider the nature of relationships and the choices that can lead to new beginnings.
The humor in The Invite is both biting and heartfelt. It navigates the fine line between comedy and drama, allowing for moments of genuine reflection amidst the laughter. Each character’s journey unfolds in a manner that resonates with audiences, encouraging them to confront their own experiences with love and intimacy.
As the film progresses, it becomes clear that Wilde has crafted a narrative that is not only entertaining but also thought-provoking. The performances of Rogen, Wilde, Cruz, and Norton are commendable, each actor bringing depth to their roles. Rogen, in particular, delves into a more nuanced portrayal of Joe, revealing layers of vulnerability beneath his comedic exterior.
Ultimately, The Invite stands out as a contemporary examination of relationships, offering a fresh perspective on the dinner party genre. It challenges viewers to reflect on their own lives while providing a memorable cinematic experience that balances humor with emotional honesty.
