The Wasteland Reviewer

The Invite (2026) Written Review

What could possibly happen when your enigmatic neighbors stop by one evening for a visit? Well…endless possibilities for sure! There are plenty of great possibilities for making lifelong friends or just generally having a wonderful evening. It could also mean an evening that breaks open your marriage and makes you rethink your whole entire life. Heck…it could also mean a wild and sexy evening of unbound pleasures. The most exciting thing is that you are not quite sure what you are going to get when it comes to Olivia Wilde’s new film, The Invite. Based on the Spanish film The People Upstairs, this new romantic dramedy focuses on a married couple (Wilde and Seth Rogen) as they invite their sexy and mysterious neighbors (Penelope Cruz and Edward Norton) over for an evening. From there…chaos ensues. 

How does this screenplay from Will McCormack and Rashida Jones come to life on screen? The most obvious element is that this is one of the funniest scripts of the year. The sharp humor and banter pops on screen. So much of this humor stems from a deep human place and an understanding of human dynamics. McCormack and Jones just understand how people engage and handle uncomfortable situations. One of the key strengths of The Invite is the deeply layered and honest portrayal of human relationships. The story begins with a tense exchange between a married couple whose relationship is certainly on the rocks. Miscommunication and resentment is palpable throughout this sequence before their guests arrive. What follows is plenty of awkward, sexy, and intense banter between these four individuals. For the first three-fourths of the film, this is a barrage of humor but in that final quarter is something deeply profound and layered. The way that this film tackles so seriously heavy subject matter after exploring the sexual possibilities of group sex is quite impressive. A film that explores marriage, sex, identity, and conflict this well is quite impressive. The number of details that are sprinkled throughout this screenplay is quite impressive as so many little dominoes fall precisely when they mean to. Even more impressive is that each of these four characters have layers, dimensions, and something to connect with. 

How does Wilde wrangle this wild ride from behind the camera? The material is there but Wilde also cultivates an atmosphere that is jammed packed with laughs. She has such a fine handle on bringing these hilarious words and performances to life. One of the most impressive elements of the film is the handling of the emotional shift that this film takes in its back end. From a riotously hilarious and awkward evening so turns into something that will gut you with the big emotions that it cultivates. You will leave this film with a sore face (from laughing) and maybe a few tears along the way. The pacing is quite impressive as this wild evening flies by without much of a break in the action. The film is sharply directed and the cinematography by Adam Newport-Berra is quite engrossing. There is an impressive use of close-ups and intimate shots that allow the actors to show so many layers. The blocking is intentional and inspired as the way the actors are framed in each shot is purposeful. There are plenty of great reaction shots with characters in the backgrounds that show character and deliver some good laughs. The score by Devonte Hynes expertly matches the tension and emotions of each scene so perfectly. With such an intimate and enclosed story, the editing is essential to find the cinematic nature of the piece. The work by Anthony Boys and Yorgos Mavropsaridis is excellent with each cut and proceeding reaction shot feeling so natural and authentic. This is not an obviously flashy film, but the details of this crew make it feel so dynamic. 

Who are the real MVPs of the experience? This impeccable cast. Wilde leads the way with a frenetic performance that channels Angela desperation, neuroticism, and anxiety. You are feeling the concerns of her character with Wilde’s facial acting and physicality. The way Angela wavers between rage, overwhelming tears, and sexual desperation all feels so authentic and genuine in the hands of Wilde. Rogen just might deliver one of his funniest performances to date. He has perfected the sarcastic, middle-aged Jewish man full of self-loathing and depression. His biting and caustic wit delivers throughout the film, and Rogen never avoids being awkward and shameless in the more intimate moments. Rogen deserves all the accolades just for his facial expressions and his reactions to this whole situation. Cruz is sexy and alluring in the most effective of ways. So much of the sexual talk in the film feels so convincing and enticing coming from her lips. Her powerful presence and confidence are powerful throughout the film, but it is the few fleeting moments of vulnerability that allows Cruz to shine. Norton embodies the strange and awkward nature of his character with smugness and confidence. But there is one scene where Norton steals the film and his dynamic skills as an actor shine so brightly. This quartet is nothing short of excellent. 

What needs to be said about The Invite? Wilde’s latest directorial effort brings that post-Booksmart hope back to the forefront. The Invite is one of the funniest and most poignant films of the first half of this year. The immense laughter and rich thematic play are quite impressive. Wilde’s film sneaks up on you and has become one of the must-see films of the summer. Wilde, Rogen, Cruz, and Norton are a revelation together and make this a truly special experience.