The Invite

The First Flick: More Than Just Another Dinner Party

You get the feeling that stumbling upon ‘The Invite’ on Pikashow is like walking in on a rich and uncomfortable domestic drama. While the movie skips over the formalities, it doesn’t shy away from diving straight into the silent but noticeable discord between Joe (Seth Rogen) and his soon-to-be ex-wife, Angela (Olivia Wilde). The movie does not waste time and puts you right there in the chill of Joe and Angela’s teetering marriage. As a channel surfer, this emotional strain is a great and compelling hook. The movie strays away from a huge mystery and keeps it about the personal strain of the relationship, which is something you can relate to. Knowing that this is a movie that strives to get away from the typical romantic comedy, the arrival of the enigmatic upstairs neighbors, Pina (Penélope Cruz) and Hawk (though he is not main cast, his presence is noted by audiences), strengthens the interest in the movie. The film sets up a very pressured environment, and makes you lean in with great anticipation for what is about to happen next. The bold opening stands out amongst the rest and is truly entertaining with a promise of no cheap gags. The casual audience can appreciate the witty lines and character interpersonal relationships enough to survive the flip test against whatever live sports or reality TV might be on.

Holding the Remote: Sharp Turns and Uncomfortable Truths

'The Invite' holds up for its full 1 hour and 48 minutes, even as an unapologetically dialogue-heavy movie about the ugly side of friendships. In the high definition streaming option, you can appreciate the crisp pictures of Joe and Angela's home, which, with its claustrophobic design, focuses the performances. The sound design amplifies the subtle shifts in wakeful silence and builds to full blown arguments to a deafening crescendo. Deliberate pacing builds steady tension until the mirthful one-liners hit. Olivia Wilde's audience-directed artistry and crime againstativism balances the theatrical persona and the reserved personal. It is worthy of the Virginia Woolf comparison to dive into the archetypes of love and loss, and to beat insult with praise. Critics have even gone as far as to say that Seth Rogen's performance is his best yet. Some critics took issue with the slight third act muddiness or betrayed that not all emotional shifts and twists were earned. Still, 'The Invite' feels like a unique and elevated take on the adult comedy. 'The Invite' is binge-worthy for those seeking substance in their dramas.

The Keep-or-Flip Verdict: A Thoughtful Adult Dramedy

"The Invite" is a film worth watching. The humor it contains is intelligently written and geared towards adults. It keeps its viewer captivated, rewarding them with performances and writing that require active viewing. “The Invite” breaks barriers of traditional R-rated films. Its plot revolves around relationships, sexuality, and adult themes that most films avoid. It's refreshing and difficult to properly explain. As one reviewer said, there is a wild fantasy built on a painful reality. “The Invite" is a remake of a Spanish film “Sentimental” which allows “The Invite” to cross the boundaries of standard American film genre. With an audience rating of 7.7, there is obviously a following and appreciation for this film, with most saying they would recommend it. It does have some minor drawbacks. Some audience members believe the emotional arcs of the film are not developed and some do not like the musical scores chosen, but overall this film is a great viewing experience. “The Invite” is comparable to a sophisticated comedy-drama overings on Pikashow that reflects on the viewer better than watching live cricket. Most people don't think for too long about films once they are done watching them, but “The Invite” is an exception.