“The Invite” Trailer
A24 has released a trailer for its R-rated comedy “The Invite,” featuring a cast that includes Seth Rogen, Olivia Wilde, Penelope Cruz, and Edward Norton. Olivia Wilde is at the helm as director.
Oscar Wilde once famously remarked, “One must always be in love. That is why one should never marry.” This quote perfectly sets the stage for A24’s latest film, “The Invite.”
Seth Rogen and Olivia Wilde (not related to the famous Wilde) play Joe and Angela, a couple living in a rundown San Francisco apartment. They invite their newlywed neighbors, Hawk and Pina—played by Edward Norton and Penelope Cruz—to dinner.
The tension is palpable right from the start. As Hawk and Pina display their affection, Joe and Angela’s conversations spill over with passive-aggressive remarks. Honestly, the walls must not be very soundproof! It quickly becomes clear that unresolved issues will lead to some unexpected developments.
Joe, once a musician, now spends his days as a pot-smoker and music teacher, feeling lost and unfulfilled. Angela, a former artist, has become a demanding stay-at-home mom. Across the hall, the unconventional firefighter Hawk, along with his charismatic girlfriend Pina, offers Joe and Angela some unsolicited advice on spicing things up.
This film draws inspiration from the 2020 Spanish film “The People Upstairs,” which was based on a play by Cesc Gay. “The Invite” maintains a level of intimacy reminiscent of stage productions. Wilde, directing for the third time after “Booksmart” and “Don’t Worry Darling,” expertly crafts an unsettling atmosphere that makes the audience feel intimately involved.
The film clearly takes cues from classics like “Who’s Afraid of Virginia Woolf?” and “Bob & Carol & Ted & Alice,” merging the tension of personal relationships with sharp humor. The script, co-written by Rashida Jones and Will McCormack, is so quick-witted that some of the laughs come in rapid succession, making it hard to catch them all.
Seth Rogen’s goofy charm, which has made him a household name, shines through. While Wilde is capable in front of the camera, she seems to excel in her role as director here. Yet it’s Cruz and Norton who elevate the film. Cruz naturally commands attention in every role she plays, almost captivating the audience. Norton’s portrayal of Hawk is uniquely eccentric, showcasing his remarkable acting talent.
Verdict
“The Invite” presents itself as a raucous, laugh-out-loud comedy, something that feels like a rarity these days. With Rogen, Wilde, Cruz, and Norton sharing the screen, the movie promises a great time for adults this summer.
★★★ 1/2 — Watch now
“The Invite” is rated R for sexual content, language, and drug use. The film runs for 1 hour and 47 minutes and is currently showing in select theaters, with a wider release scheduled for July 10, 2026.
