At Sundance 2026, Olivia Wilde premiered The Invite, a sharp and witty dramedy that reimagines the classic dinner-party setup. Written by Will McCormack and Rashida Jones, the film stars Wilde alongside Seth Rogen as a long-married San Francisco couple whose evening with their neighbors spirals into unexpected revelations.
Wilde and Rogen as a Fractured Couple
Joe (Rogen), a failed indie-rock musician turned professor, and Angela (Wilde), a restless art school graduate, spend their days bickering over trivial matters. Their relationship, defined by constant sparring, sets the stage for a night of tension and humor. Wilde’s performance captures Angela’s frazzled energy, while Rogen delivers biting sarcasm tinged with despair.
Enter the Neighbors
The arrival of Pína (Penélope Cruz) and Hawk (Edward Norton) transforms the evening. Glamorous and seemingly harmonious, the couple contrasts sharply with Joe and Angela’s dysfunction. Their openness about their noisy sex life shocks and amuses, but the real surprise comes when they reveal their swinger lifestyle, inviting Joe and Angela into their world.
Comedy Meets Seriousness
Wilde directs with precision, balancing caustic humor and emotional depth. The dialogue flows naturally, often overlapping in lifelike exchanges. The film evokes Who’s Afraid of Virginia Woolf? while channeling the neurotic wit of Woody Allen, creating a tone that is both bitterly funny and sneakily profound.
Performances That Shine
All four leads deliver standout performances. Rogen explores new depths of cynicism, Wilde embodies vulnerability and desire, Norton charms with Zen-like confidence, and Cruz radiates vitality as the catalyst of change. Together, they create a dynamic interplay that keeps audiences riveted.
A Truth Game That Resonates
Beyond its humor, The Invite explores themes of intimacy, loneliness, and the fragile bonds of marriage. The film’s climax is not about shock value but about peeling back layers of human connection. Wilde’s direction ensures the story feels lived-in, with the apartment setting adding authenticity.
Sundance Success
The premiere earned a roaring standing ovation, moving Wilde to tears. The Invite joins the ranks of Sundance highlights, proving Wilde’s ability to blend entertainment with insight. For audiences, it’s a film that entertains while holding up a mirror to modern relationships.
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