The main new release in cinemas this week is 'Invitation', an adult comedy by Olivia Wilde about two couples spending an unusual evening together. The film is one of many remakes of the Spanish film 'The Neighbors Upstairs' from 2020. 'Invitation' was enthusiastically received at the Sundance festival, and many companies fought for distribution rights. This has strengthened Wilde's position as a filmmaker after her less successful thriller 'Don't Worry Darling'. This was reported by Qazaqyia.kz citing Kursiv Media.
The marriage of Joe (Seth Rogen) and Angela (Olivia Wilde) is mired in routine and constant domestic squabbles. One argument is sparked by Angela's impromptu invitation to their neighbors to show off new renovations: their daughter has gone to a friend's for a sleepover, cheese and sausage platters are on the table, and a soufflé is baking in the oven. At the door appear Hawk (Edward Norton) and Pina (Penélope Cruz), whose relationship seems much healthier—at least their sex life is great, as Joe is forced to endure the sounds of sex coming from their apartment. The tense evening turns into an interesting night full of surprises and revelations.
It seems like only yesterday Seth Rogen was starring in youth comedies like 'Superbad', 'Knocked Up', and 'This Is the End'. But he has now entered his fifties, become a successful producer, and cut ties with James Franco. He may now have a new bromance with Olivia Wilde, who made a cameo in his satire 'The Studio' and has now cast him in a lead role. Although the film cannot be called a youth comedy (all characters are well over forty), sex and humor around it are central themes.
However, the focus is on Wilde herself. Her previous directorial effort, the complex thriller 'Don't Worry Darling', was criticized for blatant borrowings and a weak script; there were also rumors of a toxic atmosphere on set. After passing the test of a second film, Wilde took on a remake of the Spanish comedy 'The Neighbors Upstairs' by Cesc Gay. The plot has spread worldwide—Korean, French, Czech, and Russian versions have been released. 'Invitation' has found much more resonance than 'Don't Worry Darling'.
After the Sundance screening, a fierce bidding war for distribution rights broke out, with A24 emerging victorious. Perhaps that's why 'Invitation' feels like it belongs on the shelf next to A24's other recent release, the satirical dramedy 'The Drama!'. But 'Don't Worry Darling' was also a story about dismantling modern relationships, albeit in a more specific vein.
Free from sci-fi trappings and wooden Harry Styles (alongside Rogen, Edward Norton plays a touching ex-firefighter who loves carpets and practices rolfing), Wilde focuses on eternal questions: how to save a marriage and feelings, how to listen to each other, and whether it's all worth it.
'Invitation' opens with a quote from Oscar Wilde and maintains a clever, ironic tone, tracing its lineage to 'Who's Afraid of Virginia Woolf?' and 'Scenes from a Marriage'. Comparisons also arise with Roman Polanski's 'Carnage'. The film is chaste despite sexual innuendos—psychological frustrations take center stage, reminiscent of Woody Allen's neurotic cinema.
Credit is due to the original, which doesn't reduce the situation to a simple swinger neighbors gag. Pina's nationality as a Spanish sexologist pays homage to the original. 'Invitation' is professionally acted and skillfully directed, with the right energy and a necessary dose of cringe. The star puzzle fits together perfectly.
The third act can be criticized, as the mounting tension leads not to a loud climax but to a timid question. However, this may provide material for pillow talk after viewing. Unlike 'The Bride!' by Maggie Gyllenhaal, 'Invitation' is genuinely pleasant to watch—it's worth accepting.