Olivia Wilde’s “The Invite” Debuts in U.S. Theaters

“The Invite,” an American comedy film directed by and starring Olivia Wilde, opened in U.S. theaters on Friday. The A24-produced picture follows two couples whose evening together spirals into heated arguments after an unexpected invitation from their upstairs neighbors. The film is an English-language remake of the Spanish movie “The People Upstairs,” written by Cesc Gay.

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“The People Upstairs,” a Spanish comedy, served as the source material for Wilde’s adaptation. The decision to remake the film in English reflects a broader trend of translating European comedies for American audiences. The project was announced as an A24 collaboration, with Wilde attached as both director and lead actress.

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The principal cast includes Olivia Wilde as Angela, the anxious wife of Joe (Seth Rogen). Penélope Cruz and Edward Norton portray the sexually adventurous couple, Pína and Hawk. Wilde, known for directing “Don’t Worry Darling,” also takes on the lead acting role. Rogen, recognized for “Knocked Up,” co-stars as Joe. The ensemble was assembled after Wilde’s fellow cast members encouraged her to accept the lead part.

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Set over a single evening, the narrative explores the dynamics of dysfunctional relationships. The film depicts how an invitation to a dinner party triggers conflict, revealing underlying marital tensions. Dialogue between Wilde’s and Rogen’s characters includes several heated exchanges that illustrate the film’s focus on marital discord and social expectations.

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Wilde said she felt “intimidated” by directing and acting but accepted the role after co-star encouragement. She called the acting experience “the greatest experience I’ve ever had as an actor.” Rogen noted the couples are fictional and not reflective of his relationships, while recalling similar dinner parties. He described early “aggressive takes” as proof the production was on track.

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• “I was intimidated by the idea of doing both jobs,” — Olivia Wilde, Director/Actress

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• “With their encouragement, I jumped in, and I'm so happy I did because acting in this movie is definitely the greatest experience I've ever had as an actor,” — Olivia Wilde

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• “It is not reflective of my relationships, presumably, thank God, but I've been at dinner parties with people and was like, 'These people should not be together. Please, for everyone's sake, get a divorce,'” — Seth Rogen

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• “Right away, I remember we were like, 'We're just going,'” — Seth Rogen

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Following its Friday debut, “The Invite” is slated for a standard theatrical run across major U.S. markets. No additional release dates or streaming plans have been announced in the source material.

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