Olivia Wilde’s ‘The Invite’ Arrives as a Chamber Comedy About Couples and Sex
6 verified1 unconfirmed1 contested
Olivia Wilde's third directorial effort, "The Invite," is a comedy of manners centered on a married couple who host an impromptu dinner party for their upstairs neighbors. The film stars Wilde as Angela and Seth Rogen as Joe, a couple whose strained marriage is exposed when their guests—a psychotherapist and a firefighter played by Penélope Cruz and Edward Norton—arrive. The story builds on tension over noise complaints, sex parties, and unspoken desires, leading to a series of quips and confrontations. The script, based on the Spanish film "The People Upstairs," was written by Rashida Jones and Will McCormack. "The Invite" premiered at the Sundance Film Festival and is released by A24. Wilde has said she insisted on a theatrical release, arguing against the idea that comedies belong on streaming platforms.
What’s verified
"The Invite" is directed by and stars Olivia Wilde as Angela, alongside Seth Rogen as Joe, Edward Norton as Hawk, and Penélope Cruz as Pína.
The plot follows a married couple who invite their upstairs neighbors over for dinner, leading to awkward exchanges and discussions about sex.
The script is by Rashida Jones and Will McCormack, based on the Spanish film "The People Upstairs" by Cesc Gay.
The film premiered at the Sundance Film Festival and is distributed by A24.
The Motion Picture Association rated the film R for sexual material, language, and drug use.
Wilde has stated she prioritized a theatrical release to ensure audiences give the film full attention, rejecting the idea that comedies belong on streaming.
Where accounts differ
One source spells the co-writer's last name as McCormack, while another spells it as McCormick. No other conflicting reports identified across sources.
Not yet confirmed
Only one source reports that during the bidding war for the film, Netflix offered more money before A24 won the distribution rights. The same source details the film's release schedule: opening in select theaters on June 26, 2026, and expanding widely on July 10, 2026. The source also notes that Wilde insisted on shooting in chronological order and that the film's original cast included Amy Adams, Paul Rudd, and Tessa Thompson, with Jonathan Dayton and Valerie Faris initially attached to direct. The running time (107 minutes) is provided by only one source.
Misconceptions
Wilde has directly addressed the idea that comedies belong on streaming, arguing against that trend and stating that such films require an audience's full attention in a theater.
Key figures
Olivia Wilde (director and actor)
Seth Rogen (actor)
Edward Norton (actor)
Penélope Cruz (actor)
Rashida Jones (screenwriter)
Will McCormack (screenwriter)
Cesc Gay (director of original film)
Megan Ellison (Annapurna)
Sources: abcnews.com, indiewire.com
