The celebrated writer Oscar Wilde once quipped, "One should always be in love. That is the reason one should never marry." This sentiment provides a poignant thematic backdrop for A24's latest comedic offering, "The Invite."
The film features Seth Rogen and Olivia Wilde (who shares a surname with the aforementioned literary figure but is not related) as Joe and Angela, a seemingly unhappy married couple residing in an aging San Francisco apartment building. Their lives take an unexpected turn when they invite their relatively new, unmarried neighbors, Hawk and Pína (portrayed by Edward Norton and Penélope Cruz), over for dinner.
From the outset, the contrasting dynamics between the two couples are strikingly evident. Joe and Angela engage in a constant stream of passive-aggressive exchanges, while Hawk and Pína openly display their passionate intimacy – a fact not lost on their neighbors, given the building's thin walls. It becomes clear that an explosion of tension is inevitable, leading to uproarious consequences.
Joe, a former musician who has transitioned into a role as a cannabis-smoking associate music teacher, appears weary and unfulfilled. Angela, once an artist, now a stay-at-home mother, is visibly on edge and demanding. In stark contrast, Hawk, an eccentric firefighter, and his alluring Spanish partner, Pína, reveal their methods for maintaining excitement in their relationship and extend a unique invitation to Joe and Angela.
Crafting Comedy from Conflict
"The Invite" draws its narrative from the 2020 Spanish film "The People Upstairs," which itself was an adaptation of Cesc Gay's stage play. The film successfully retains the intimate feel of a theatrical production. Olivia Wilde, in her third directorial effort following 2019's "Booksmart" and 2022's "Don't Worry Darling," masterfully cultivates a pervasive sense of anxiety, effectively immersing the audience directly into the dinner table experience.
The movie clearly draws inspiration from classic works exploring relationship angst and dark humor, such as "Who's Afraid of Virginia Woolf?" and "Bob & Carol & Ted & Alice." The screenplay, penned by Rashida Jones (typically known for her on-screen roles) and Will McCormack, is exceptionally sharp and witty, brimming with so many memorable one-liners that laughter often overlaps, a rare occurrence in contemporary cinema.
Stellar Ensemble Performances
Seth Rogen delivers his characteristic goofy charm, a style that has cemented his status as a recognizable name for nearly two decades. Olivia Wilde performs competently in front of the camera, but her directorial prowess truly shines in this project. However, it is Penélope Cruz and Edward Norton who elevate this comedy to an exceptional level.
Cruz possesses an inherent ability to command attention in any role, almost entrancing viewers, a power particularly evident here. Norton's portrayal of Hawk is wonderfully bizarre, and his impeccable comedic timing further highlights his remarkable acting talent.
"The Invite" stands out as a raunchy, laugh-out-loud comedy, a genre that audiences don't encounter with the same frequency as in the past. The on-screen chemistry among Rogen, Wilde, Cruz, and Norton is absolutely electric, making this film a worthwhile choice for an evening of adult entertainment this summer.
"The Invite" is rated R for sexual material, language throughout, and drug use. It has a running time of 1 hour, 47 minutes. The film is currently playing in select theaters and will see a wide release on July 10, 2026.
