A Delightful Twist on Comedy of Manners

Olivia Wilde’s third directorial effort, The Invite, offers a deliciously entertaining exploration of relationships through the lens of chamber comedy. Centered around a couple struggling with a rocky marriage, the film begins with an impromptu dinner gathering featuring their upstairs neighbors.

Set in a single location like classic stage and screen setups, the movie artfully mixes humor, flirtation, and marital catharsis. While certain plot points might feel predictable, the film delivers a modern twist on drawing-room comedy.

After Wilde’s initial success with Booksmart and the less effective Don’t Worry Darling, The Invite stands out due to her fine-tuned grasp of the material. The comedy suits her style, and her performance as Angela is a particular highlight.

Rashida Jones and Will McCormack’s script, adapted from Cesc Gay’s Spanish film The People Upstairs, focuses on contrasts between Joe and Angela and their glamorous neighbors Pína and Hawk. Penélope Cruz embodies Pína’s presence, while Edward Norton delivers a balance of smarmy and sincerity as Hawk.

Joe struggles with the tumult of the dinner, surprising tensions in the couple’s life unravel as they engage with their neighbors.

Noteworthy is Wilde’s portrayal of Angela’s anxious efforts to impress, exploring her internal turmoil through moments of comedy. The dialogue cleverly mixes intimate topics with everyday subjects, giving a rhythm to exchanges.

Although the film occasionally veers into heavy-handed musical accompaniment, it underscores Angela’s tension effectively.

The Invite explores themes of change and openness through the metaphor of a literal and symbolic dinner invitation. Hawk and Pína propose a foursome, leading Angela and Joe into self-reflection beyond mere marital monogamy.

The film captures the nuances of relationship dynamics, illustrated in Joe’s hesitation to play piano, once tied to a hit song that remains untouched.

Wilde’s nod to Oscar Wilde through a quote is particularly fitting: One should always be in love. That is the reason one should never marry.

While touting surprising wisdom about relationships, The Invite isn’t a call to abandon monogamy. Rather, it urges embracing change and new experiences. Norton brings a subtle, insightful touch to Hawk’s character, highlighting these themes.

A minutely risqué film, The Invite ultimately delivers gentle insights into personal growth and relationship dynamics.

The Invite, released by A24, is rated R for sexual material, drug use, and language throughout. It runs for 107 minutes and earns a favorable review of three and a half stars out of four.