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Olivia Wilde's “The Invite” Earns Praise, 35mm Star Ensemble

7/12/2026

38 3 Full Breakdown

Summary

Olivia Wilde Directs

Olivia Wilde directed The Invite, starring Seth Rogen, Penélope Cruz and Edward Norton, adapted from Cesc Gay’s Spanish film The People Upstairs.
Wilde financed 35mm film stock herself, saying it heightened actors’ focus, and oversaw the construction of a mirror-filled apartment that signals emotional boundaries.
Consulted by Esther Perel on individuality in marriage, the film earned critics’ praise for dialogue and editing despite a long runtime.

Summary

A24 Acquires Invite

A24 bought *The Invite* at Sundance after a bidding war topping $12 million.
Studies say about one in five U.S. and Canadian adults have tried consensual non-monogamy.
Marketing hinted at an orgy, but the story retreats before any explicit group sex.
Post-screening polls were 50-50 on whether Joe and Angela stay together.
Relationship consultant Esther Perel said healthy bonds may involve staying with one partner or moving on.

History

Historical Context

In 1993 Daniel Myrick and Eduardo Sánchez began developing a witch legend, filming The Blair Witch Project and premiering it at Sundance on January 23 1999. Artisan bought the rights for $1.1 million and the film later earned $248.6 million worldwide, showing indie horror can attract high bids. That model led A24 to a bidding war for Olivia Wilde’s The Invite at Sundance, showing distributors prioritize auteur projects.

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Olivia Wilde Directs

Olivia Wilde directed The Invite, starring Seth Rogen, Penélope Cruz and Edward Norton, adapted from Cesc Gay’s Spanish film The People Upstairs.
Wilde financed 35mm film stock herself, saying it heightened actors’ focus, and oversaw the construction of a mirror-filled apartment that signals emotional boundaries.
Consulted by Esther Perel on individuality in marriage, the film earned critics’ praise for dialogue and editing despite a long runtime.

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