'The Invite' Review: Witty, Horny and Completely Captivating
- 23 hours ago
- 4 min read
By Becca Johnson - July 8, 2026
First, she impressed audiences with coming-of-age comedy Booksmart (2019), then going on to divide viewers with her thrilling, freaky follow-up, Don’t Worry Darling (2022). Director Olivia Wilde’s next feature takes the form of a sexy, snappy single location relationship drama, bringing to life a script written by Rashida Jones and Will McCormack. The Invite stars Wilde herself alongside Seth Rogen (Superbad), Penélope Cruz (Vanilla Sky) and Edward Norton (Fight Club), as the quartet endure an awkward dinner party due to the hosts marriage being on thin ice.
Superbly written and acted, backed up further by stunning cinematography that utilises the apartment location perfectly, The Invite is an equally tension-filled and hilarious ride that quickly becomes Wilde’s best work yet - in both the acting and directing department.
The most impressive element of The Invite is the script, that so cleverly blends laugh out loud humour with anxiety-inducing tension, even providing some heartfelt and intimate moments at times as we sink into the complexity of love and marriage. From the get-go, the audience are thrust into a dinner and cocktail evening that was obviously a bad idea from the start. Wilde and Rogen’s Angela and Joe are mid-argument when their guests turn up, a pair that will push them in more ways than expected. Where Joe and Angela are in a fraught, sexless marriage centred on making their daughter happy, Hawk (Norton) and Pina (Cruz) are freshly in love, childless and very enigmatic, especially in the bedroom. Their dynamic could not be more opposing, inviting many truths and lies, laughs and cries as their evening spirals into something more and more unexpected by the minute.
Conversations span from exciting topics like sexual experiences, to mundane-sounding house decor, though each one somehow becoming more riveting than the last. The laughs hit hard, as the arguments between the foursome result in some hilarious hijinks, but the softer moments also resonate in an unexpected way as you can’t help but root for the surprisingly likeable characters by the end. With a focus on knowing when a relationship is over, and exploring the possibility of having a different relationship but with the same person, there’s a lot to sink your teeth into. Intense, funny and uniquely touching, The Invite never fails to entertain.
Of course, much of the success of the entertainment value, shock factor and laughs delivered by these conversations are thanks to the committed, wonderful cast. At the centre of the story are couple on the brink Joe and Angela, played so believably by Olivia Wilde and Seth Rogen. It’s clear they don’t see eye to eye from the start, seeming to disagree on almost every tiny thing, but what initially seems like a relatable bickering match between the pair soon shows its true colours into something more complex. They are both miserable, repressed and feel unloved, a lingering breakdown that is brought to the surface by Hawk and Pina. Of course, Rogen brings his solid comedy backbone to deliver plenty of the laughs, but he’s often the heart of the story, too. Wilde shines in a role that balances hilarious sarcasm with genuine emotion that’s been bubbling away for some time.
Norton and Cruz are equally believable as the more frivolous, sexual and open couple, who often keep neighbours awake of an evening with their ‘sex parties’ and are dedicated to experimentation and an unconventional relationship. They are certainly more fractured than they let on, allowing the cracks to sporadically show in their otherwise perfect relationship they attempt to showcase. The chemistry between Cruz and Norton really sells you every angle of their connection, as they both manage to embody a balance of intimidation and appeal. The quartet work beautifully both separately and together, delivering four of the strongest turns of the year.
The cherry on top that brings it all together into one cohesive smash hit is the filmmaking on display. Of course, Wilde directs the chamber piece with confidence, balancing the tones perfectly whilst allowing all four stars including herself to shine in equal measure. The overlapping dialogue, use of the entire space and sharp cinematography from Adam Newport-Berra (Blink Twice) ensures the film is consistently entertaining whilst moving at a breakneck pace. The conversations are staged and delivered so beautifully with an authentic flow that almost feels action-packed, despite the whole film balancing on conversations in a simple apartment location. Newport-Berra incorporates use of mirrors which not only highlights the voyeuristic nature of the storyline, but allows us to experience the reactions and mood of certain individuals whilst focussing on another. Each room in the modestly-sized apartment is used authentically, never feeling staged despite being based on a stage play. Bringing those elements together is the classical score from Devonte Hynes (Palo Alto), that increases the claustrophobia by feeling almost overpowering alongside the arguments and rising tension within the room. Every single element, from the camerawork to the music, feels meticulously crafted to create an immersive experience.
It’s safe to say that through the confidence in her direction alongside the stellar performances, expert use of location and a script that holds you tight in its grip from start to end, Wilde has delivered her most commendable work yet. The Invite is witty, sexy, funny, horny and awkward - all traits that make for a captivating, intriguing watch. Deserving of being viewed alongside an audience, The Invite is one of the years best films and one to catch on the big screen this summer.
'The Invite' released in cinemas on July 3.
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