“The Invite” Delights Through Laughter and Tears

The Invite (Olivia Wilde, 2026) 4½ out of 5 stars

An adaptation of the 2020 Spanish film Sentimental (or “The People Upstairs,” as it was called in its American release), Olivia Wilde’s new movie The Invite sparkles with wit, vim, and a lot of vigor. Featuring a screenplay by Rashida Jones and Will McCormack (co-writers of the 2012 Celeste & Jesse Forever), it delivers intelligent dialogue and genuinely funny moments. There’s also some serious drama afoot, bolstered by terrific performances, with Wilde herself the marvelous jewel in the crown.

“One should always be in love. That is the reason one should never marry.” This quote from Oscar Wilde (no relation beyond that of muse) opens the story and sets the tone. Angela (Wilde) and Joe (Seth Rogen, Dumb Money) are longtime spouses with a 12-year-old daughter and a listless, acrimonious life together, though their sumptuous apartment in San Francisco might fool you into thinking they have it made. Not so. Hell is when they are together.

But tonight, Angela has decided to invite the upstairs neighbors, Hawk (Edward Norton, Motherless Brooklyn) and Piña (Penelope Cruz, Official Competition), in part because they fascinate her and appear a lot happier (and sexier) than are she and Joe. But when she springs this news on her partner upon his grumpy return home (from the teaching job at a small music college that he loathes), he is not thrilled. Particularly since Hawk and Piña’s loud lovemaking and orgasms have been keeping him up at night.

But plans once set are hard to cancel, and a die once cast cannot be unrolled. At least their daughter is away at a sleepover. In an unfolding series of hilarious conversations (with overlapping dialogue that would make the late Robert Altman proud), the “people upstairs” stop by despite Joe’s protestations. What thereafter transpires is at times antagonistic, then suddenly friendly, then sweet, then horny, then angry again. Along the way, we gradually learn more about how Angela and Joe got here.

Wilde (Booksmart) demonstrates a pitch-perfect command of the atmosphere and location. Chamber pieces can often feel stagey and claustrophobic, and while the latter ambience might suit the narrative, The Invite never suffers from lack of cinematic vision. Kudos to the creative team assisting Wilde, especially Director of Photography Adam Newport-Berra (Splitsville) and Production Designer Jade Healy (Wolfs)—and the rest of those behind the physical layout—for making room for strong visuals and ample camera movement. As goes the energy of the conversation, so goes the lens, to the movie’s immense benefit.

The big secret about Hawk and Angela proves not much of a surprise, though certainly a delight. The joy of the film comes from what happens after that reveal and the harsh reality it forces Angela and Joe to confront. Relationships are difficult, and growing apart is painful. At least here we can laugh a lot on the way to Armageddon, with perhaps one final (gentle) twist at the end. Throughout, Wilde constantly catches us off guard in the best possible way. Thanks for the invitation; I’m glad I accepted.