Intro: There was good buzz around this film and I was really curious to see for myself if it was worth the watch.
Film 2495: "The Invite" (2025), directed by Olivia Wilde
Watched: At the movies
Language: English
Watched with: Niamh, Debbi
Thoughts: "The Invite" is a very interesting film, especially in the current cinematic landscape. And it's even more interesting that it managed to become so successful, considering I would consider this quite the niche film rather than a mainstream one. Instead, it managed to do well at the box office (on a $15 million production budget) and gather Oscar buzz this early in the year.
What caught my attention the most is how intimate this movie feels, to the point that I thought its story was taken from a play. There are only four characters, basically just one location we never get to escape, a dialogue-heavy script, and themes that are mainly ordinary and close to what would be any adult's life nowadays. Instead, this is actually the English-language remake of the 2020 Spanish film "Sentimental" by Cesc Gay.
Because of its theatrical vibe and remake essence, this film inherently reminds me of these other two: "Carnage" -- based on the play "Le Dieu du carnage" by Yasmina Reza -- and "Perfetti sconosciuti" -- in 2024 recognised as the most remade film by Guinness World Records, with productions in 24 different languages.
All three of these movies share similar qualities and themes: the confined space, limited characters and a story that revolves around couples, their relationships, struggles and secrets. Additionally, they all share a very specific tone: the story starts slowly in what would be an everyday life situation and gradually (and brutally) escalates, eventually peaking in some sort of explosive truth that shakes the couples to their core.
In this specific instance, "The Invite" leans more towards comedy than drama, which I appreciated. I especially enjoyed this because I don't think many would have expected Olivia Wilde and Penélope Cruz to be such a perfect fit for a story like this. To me, they are the true stars -- I can't call them revelations, as we all know how amazing and talented these ladies are -- of this film. It's true I'm drawn to strong female characters, but here I think they really outshine their male counterparts. Don't get me wrong, both Seth Rogen and Edward Norton do a great job, but I think the ladies really ate their parts. The sexual tension Cruz is able to bring to life between her and literally any other character is insane, and I never would have expected to see her in such a sexually charged role. On the other hand, Wilde portrays her character with such tension. There's a nervousness about her, an uneasiness that makes you feel the same way while you watch the story unfold. It's nerve-wracking, but it serves the character so well, especially opposite Cruz.
On top of a great performance, Wilde also directed the movie. This is not her first endeavour, but possibly her best one so far. I always find it commendable when a director succeeds in finding a way to tell a story that is spatially limited to a sole location. It would be so easy for the story to fail and for it to be visually presented in such a boring way that it would turn the audience away. Instead, Wilde's vision is extremely aware of the spaces and camera angles and never shies away from the actors' faces, keeping you constantly (and emotionally) engaged.
Overall, I really enjoyed "The Invite". I think it's a refreshing example of how smaller movies can feel big and engaging and entertain the hell out of you.
Cast: Seth Rogen, Olivia Wilde, Penélope Cruz, Edward Norton.
Box Office: $55.6 million
Worth a watch?: I really liked it. The actors are perfectly cast, the story is interesting and has enough crazy twists to keep you entertained and engaged. It's the perfect movie for a movie night that doesn't require bombastic entertainment, but rather something more adult-themed (there's a lot of sex talk indeed). If you liked "Carnage" or "Perfetti sconosciuti" (here's my personal deep dive on this unexpected Italian sensation), you can't miss this film.
Awards: /
Key word: Sex party.
Trailer
#HollywoodCiak
Bengi
Watched: At the movies
Language: English
Watched with: Niamh, Debbi
Thoughts: "The Invite" is a very interesting film, especially in the current cinematic landscape. And it's even more interesting that it managed to become so successful, considering I would consider this quite the niche film rather than a mainstream one. Instead, it managed to do well at the box office (on a $15 million production budget) and gather Oscar buzz this early in the year.
What caught my attention the most is how intimate this movie feels, to the point that I thought its story was taken from a play. There are only four characters, basically just one location we never get to escape, a dialogue-heavy script, and themes that are mainly ordinary and close to what would be any adult's life nowadays. Instead, this is actually the English-language remake of the 2020 Spanish film "Sentimental" by Cesc Gay.
Because of its theatrical vibe and remake essence, this film inherently reminds me of these other two: "Carnage" -- based on the play "Le Dieu du carnage" by Yasmina Reza -- and "Perfetti sconosciuti" -- in 2024 recognised as the most remade film by Guinness World Records, with productions in 24 different languages.
All three of these movies share similar qualities and themes: the confined space, limited characters and a story that revolves around couples, their relationships, struggles and secrets. Additionally, they all share a very specific tone: the story starts slowly in what would be an everyday life situation and gradually (and brutally) escalates, eventually peaking in some sort of explosive truth that shakes the couples to their core.
In this specific instance, "The Invite" leans more towards comedy than drama, which I appreciated. I especially enjoyed this because I don't think many would have expected Olivia Wilde and Penélope Cruz to be such a perfect fit for a story like this. To me, they are the true stars -- I can't call them revelations, as we all know how amazing and talented these ladies are -- of this film. It's true I'm drawn to strong female characters, but here I think they really outshine their male counterparts. Don't get me wrong, both Seth Rogen and Edward Norton do a great job, but I think the ladies really ate their parts. The sexual tension Cruz is able to bring to life between her and literally any other character is insane, and I never would have expected to see her in such a sexually charged role. On the other hand, Wilde portrays her character with such tension. There's a nervousness about her, an uneasiness that makes you feel the same way while you watch the story unfold. It's nerve-wracking, but it serves the character so well, especially opposite Cruz.
On top of a great performance, Wilde also directed the movie. This is not her first endeavour, but possibly her best one so far. I always find it commendable when a director succeeds in finding a way to tell a story that is spatially limited to a sole location. It would be so easy for the story to fail and for it to be visually presented in such a boring way that it would turn the audience away. Instead, Wilde's vision is extremely aware of the spaces and camera angles and never shies away from the actors' faces, keeping you constantly (and emotionally) engaged.
Overall, I really enjoyed "The Invite". I think it's a refreshing example of how smaller movies can feel big and engaging and entertain the hell out of you.
Cast: Seth Rogen, Olivia Wilde, Penélope Cruz, Edward Norton.
Box Office: $55.6 million
Worth a watch?: I really liked it. The actors are perfectly cast, the story is interesting and has enough crazy twists to keep you entertained and engaged. It's the perfect movie for a movie night that doesn't require bombastic entertainment, but rather something more adult-themed (there's a lot of sex talk indeed). If you liked "Carnage" or "Perfetti sconosciuti" (here's my personal deep dive on this unexpected Italian sensation), you can't miss this film.
Awards: /
Key word: Sex party.
Trailer
#HollywoodCiak
Bengi
