Olivia Wilde’s latest film, “The Invite,” combines humor and drama to explore a couple’s strained marriage. The narrative revolves around an impromptu dinner party with their upstairs neighbors. The familiar setting of such gatherings, reminiscent of classics like “Who’s Afraid of Virginia Woolf?” presents a series of witty exchanges and candid revelations.
Wilde, who previously directed “Booksmart” and “Don’t Worry Darling,” finds her stride with this chamber comedy. Her performance, alongside Seth Rogen, as Angela and Joe, anchors the film. The couple’s starkly different evening routines in San Francisco underscore their relationship dynamics. Joe, a music professor, grapples with frustration over their daughter’s absence and the dinner party. Angela, meanwhile, aims to impress, having made elaborate preparations for their guests.
“We love a contentious environment,” remarks Hawk, played by Edward Norton, upon entering the tense scene.
The neighbors, Pína (Penélope Cruz) and Hawk, embrace the charged atmosphere. Their contrasting personalities with the hosts fuel engaging conversations. The script, penned by Rashida Jones and Will McCormack, adapts the Spanish film “The People Upstairs.” The dynamic mix of humor and tension showcases Wilde’s knack for comedy, resulting in notable performances across the board.
Pína, with her glamorous presence and profession as a psychotherapist and sexologist, adds depth to the narrative. The core conflict unfolds through Angela’s perspective, marked by anxiety and admiration for her guests. Wilde’s nuanced portrayal highlights Angela’s internal struggles and aspirations.
Jones and McCormack’s screenplay cleverly marries personal topics like perimenopause with lighter subjects such as home décor and music. The film’s dialogue propels the plot, though occasionally overshadowed by Dev Hynes’ emotionally charged score.
The titular “Invite” refers to more than dinner. Pína and Hawk reveal that their noise stems from hosting sex parties, sparking Joe and Angela’s curiosity. The invitation to join this lifestyle provokes reflection on relationships. Sex, both in action and symbolism, represents the stagnation many couples face.
“One should always be in love. That is the reason one should never marry,” Wilde quotes from Oscar Wilde, her namesake, setting the tone.
Despite the film’s risqué elements, it emphasizes personal growth and openness to new experiences, not strictly physical pursuits. Norton’s portrayal of Hawk delivers unexpected insights into these themes, turning a potentially clichéd character into a compelling narrative voice.
“The Invite,” distributed by A24, carries an R rating for its sexual content, language, and drug use. It runs for 107 minutes and earns three and a half stars out of four for its thoughtful exploration of modern relationships.
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