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Olivia Wilde’s The Invite Draws Standing Ovation at Sundance Premiere

The relationship comedy earned raves at Sundance, with the independently financed film now seeking distribution.

Overview

  • The film premiered Saturday at the Eccles Theater to a sustained ovation, with Wilde wiping away tears during the Q&A alongside Seth Rogen and Edward Norton.
  • Early reviews praised a sharply staged, single‑location chamber dramedy that balances big laughs with emotional weight without revealing key turns.
  • Written by Rashida Jones and Will McCormack, the English‑language remake of Cesc Gay’s Spanish work follows two couples over one revealing night.
  • Wilde developed the project through intensive rehearsals and shot it sequentially over 23 days, encouraging improvisation to shape performances.
  • The Invite is on the market for buyers at Sundance, with UTA Independent Film Group and FilmNation handling sales, while Penélope Cruz missed the premiere due to filming in Spain.