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Olivia Wilde’s The Invite Wins Praise as It Moves From Festivals to Wider Release

Strong festival buzz, positive reviews and reported backing from A24 have built momentum for the film’s planned nationwide rollout on July 10, signaling a creative rebound for Wilde.

Overview

  • The Invite is a four‑character, single‑location dinner‑party drama directed by and starring Olivia Wilde with Seth Rogen, Penélope Cruz and Edward Norton.
  • The film premiered on the festival circuit and was picked up for distribution, with several outlets reporting A24 acquired the title for a midseven‑figure sum.
  • Critics have widely praised the film’s performances and direction, calling Cruz, Norton and Rogen standouts and labeling the movie one of the year’s best in early reviews.
  • Production relied on a rehearsal‑led approach and chronological shooting on 35mm film to encourage improvisation and character discovery during a 23‑day shoot.
  • The Invite adapts Cesc Gay’s The People Upstairs and uses its intimate chamber structure to probe long‑term relationships, and its early box‑office and word‑of‑mouth momentum could reshape Wilde’s public reputation.