Review: The Invite

Olivia Wilde is back behind the camera with The Invite, starring alongside Seth Rogen in a film that takes a funny and interesting look at modern couples and relationships.

Joe (Seth Rogen) and Angela (Olivia Wilde) are a married couple whose relationship isn’t exactly in the best place. When they invite their mysterious upstairs neighbours, played by Penélope Cruz and Edward Norton, over for dinner, what starts as a simple night together quickly turns into something neither of them expected. As the night continues, the two couples begin opening up about their relationships, attraction and what they really want from their partners.

One of the things I loved about The Invite was how simple the setting was. Most of the film takes place in one location, which means so much of it depends on the cast and their chemistry to keep you entertained. And it does.

Olivia Wilde and Seth Rogen are incredible together. They feel believable as a couple, and both bring something completely different to the film. Rogen has some of the funniest moments, while Wilde brings a lot of the emotion, and together they make even some of the more uncomfortable conversations entertaining to watch. Penélope Cruz and Edward Norton are also great additions to the cast, especially because of how different their relationship feels compared to Joe and Angela’s. Putting these four characters together is really where the film gets interesting, especially as the night continues and we start learning more about each of them.

There are definitely a lot of funny moments throughout the film, but it never feels like it’s trying too hard to be a comedy. Some of my favourite moments were actually the smaller interactions between the characters and watching how one conversation could completely change the energy in the room.

It was also really cool to see Wilde directing while taking on one of the lead roles. With so much of the story happening in one place, there isn’t much for the film to hide behind. The performances really have to carry it, and they do.

But what I enjoyed most about The Invite was its perspective on modern relationships. It looks at what happens when you’ve been with someone for a long time, how attraction can change, and what can happen when couples finally start having conversations they probably should have had a long time ago.

The Invite is funny, memorable and incredibly well acted. Olivia Wilde, Seth Rogen, Penélope Cruz and Edward Norton work so well together, and the simple setting allows the characters to really be the focus of the film. It’s entertaining, but it also gives you something to think about when it comes to relationships, attraction and how well we really know the person we’re with.

Watch the trailer for The Invite below

VVS Films releases The Invite is in theatres exclusively at Cineplex Varsity on July 3rd, nationwide on July 10th.