Olivia Wilde's The Invite Review: A Sharp Sex Comedy With a Stellar Cast

Directed by and starring Olivia Wilde, The Invite offers a modern, high-tension sex comedy based on the 2020 Spanish film Sentimental by Cesc Gay. The film features a strong ensemble cast, including Seth Rogen, Penélope Cruz, and Edward Norton, who play two couples whose social dynamics unravel during an evening dinner party, resulting in a narrative filled with cringeworthy humor and sharp wit.

Following the mixed reception of her previous psychological thriller, Don't Worry Darling, Wilde showcases her ability to stage intimate, claustrophobic comedic performances. While critics praise her staging and the film's dialogue-driven tension, some reviews note that Wilde’s own performance as Angela occasionally struggles to achieve the same organic, lived-in depth displayed by her co-stars Rogen, Cruz, and Norton.

The film’s release is notable for its exploration of mature themes and its adherence to a single-location, theater-like stage play structure. By focusing on interpersonal conflicts within a confined San Francisco apartment, The Invite delivers a biting look at relationship dynamics, with industry observers highlighting its blend of sexual anxiety and comedic swagger as a return to form for Wilde’s directorial efforts.