The Invite (2026)
When do you accept that a relationship has come to an end?
Coming to terms with the end of a relationship can be a gruelling process. With many years spent together and an established life built, it becomes even more unfathomable. Yet, staying together festers more harm, resentment and bitterness than good.
The Invite (2026) is an infectiously awkward comedy film written by Will McCormack and Parks and Recreation star Rashida Jones, focusing on a couple reaching the last legs of their marriage. After a visit from their neighbours, this process is sped up intensely. Seth Rogen stars as Joe, alongside Olivia Wilde playing Angela. Wilde also returns to direct her third feature film after polarising views on her two projects – generally positive for her feature debut, Booksmart, but scandal, controversy, and disdain for her second feature project, Don’t Worry Darling. After having her directional capabilities questioned, it’s fair to say that Wilde has still got ‘it’ in a stellar contained story where complex character work and comedy are the heart of this film.
From the outset, the film establishes an anarchic household where bickering and ‘one-upping’ the other is common practice. Joe comes home to find Angela attempting to cook a meal in preparation for their fun and wild neighbours to come. Immediately, Joe is unhappy with this, especially when he finds his neighbours’ nightly sexual endeavours to be loud and annoying – he begs to confront this, but Angela refuses. The writing is already particularly strong, filled with quick-witted humour that reflects the insecurities the characters have failed to address, creating this resounding friction. This turbulence is amplified by a brilliant stringed score composed by Blood Orange’s Dev Hynes, which gradually escalates as the conflict reaches a peak.
A clash of personalities and desires creates belly-laughing moments. Wilde’s depiction of Angela is controlling and slightly neurotic; however, beneath the use of humour as a coping mechanism, her character is lonely. She remarks that her 12-year-old daughter will be leaving soon, and she’ll be all alone, delivered hilariously, yet this revelation, knowing she is married, is painful. Similarly, Joe masks his true feelings and literally carries this, causing him many back aches. His cynicism undermines any attempts at companionship or trying something new, which could save this broken relationship. Yet, his insecurity is exposed when their neighbours, played by Penelope Cruz and Edward Norton, reveal they’d like them to join them in sexual activities and Joe repeatedly asks if they mean with him. A lack of intimacy in his own marriage has caused impending self-doubt.
In recent comedies, there have been points where it felt cringey and forced, which is not the case for this film. Throughout, sarcastic and sardonic remarks flourish, accompanied by an excellent use of physical comedy. The dynamic from the visiting couple, Pína and Hawk, intrudes on this couple’s complex and flawed interactions, while they are enveloped in the honeymoon stage of their relationship. A more stark reminder of how far gone Joe and Angela are. Cruz and Norton present this engagingly with their eccentric portrayal of desire and exploration.
A strong part of the film is the eventual breakdown of the relationship, represented by the quieter moments without amusement, which separates this film from being a traditional comedy. Though it would have been nice to sit in this feeling of melancholy for a while longer when realisation hits, the ending wraps up this debacle nicely. A natural, quietly heartbreaking end to a relationship.
The Invite releases in US theatres June 26th and UK cinemas July 3rd!
Seeing it this weekend, and I’m so excited! Great review.