Olivia Wilde’s “The Invite” Explores Marital Discomfort with Provocative Humor
A darkly comedic exploration of a marriage on the brink, Olivia Wilde’s “The Invite” premiered Saturday at the Sundance Film Festival, offering a relatable, if unconventional, look at long-term relationships and unspoken desires. The film, starring Seth Rogen, Olivia Wilde, Penelope Cruz, and Edward Norton, delves into the awkwardness and simmering tension that arise when two couples with vastly different approaches to intimacy collide.
The story centers on Joe and Angela (Rogen and Wilde), a couple who have grown comfortable in their discontent. Their carefully constructed routine is disrupted by the arrival of Pina and Hawk (Cruz and Norton), a passionate pair who inadvertently expose the cracks in Joe and Angela’s marriage. As one observer noted, the film taps into universal themes of relationship stagnation and the search for connection.
Joe, a former musician now teaching at a less-than-stellar music school, is depicted as a resentful and physically ailing man. He finds little joy in his life, even avoiding the piano that once defined him. Angela, despite holding an arts degree, channels her energy into maintaining their San Francisco apartment – inherited from Joe’s parents – and quietly envies the intimacy of their upstairs neighbor.
The narrative takes an unexpected turn when Pina and Hawk, rather than being oblivious, openly discuss their vibrant sex life, ultimately extending a surprising invitation to Joe and Angela. This sets the stage for a pressure cooker of awkward conversation and escalating sexual tension.
Improvisational Brilliance
The film’s success is largely attributed to the collaborative spirit fostered by director Wilde and the script penned by Will McCormack and Rashida Jones (“Celeste and Jesse Forever”). According to Wilde, the cast extensively improvised during rehearsals, contributing significantly to the film’s most memorable moments. “Several of the greatest moments in the movie are written by the cast,” she shared with the audience at Sundance.
This improvisational approach, however, presented challenges during the editing process. Wilde described having to make difficult choices, “There was such an embarrassment of riches. I had to lose this gold every day.”
The cast’s enthusiasm for the project was evident, with Seth Rogen revealing that he and Edward Norton actively campaigned for Wilde to take on a role in the film. “Me and Edward were texting each other… We’re just, like, ‘How… do we talk her into being in the movie?’” Rogen recounted. He added that Wilde initially resisted, suggesting other actors, but ultimately agreed to star, elevating the film’s dynamic.
Norton praised Wilde’s directorial skill, particularly her ability to balance acting and directing responsibilities. “It’s hard for me to overstate the grace and wisdom with which Olivia gave that performance and directed us,” he stated. He contrasted “The Invite” with his own experiences directing while acting, noting that Wilde avoided the common pitfalls of such a dual role.
Wilde’s third directorial effort, following “Booksmart” and “Don’t Worry Darling,” demonstrates her growing confidence and ability to navigate complex narratives. “The Invite” promises to be a provocative and relatable comedy, offering audiences a chance to laugh at – and perhaps recognize themselves within – the messy realities of modern relationships.
The Sundance Film Festival continues through February 1.
