Olivia Wilde turns her director’s eye from the expansive world of her 2022 psychological thriller Don’t Worry Darling to the cozy San Francisco apartment of musician Joe (Seth Rogen) and his stay-at-home wife, Angela (played by Wilde), in The Invite. The couple’s marriage is obviously in trouble, with their day punctuated by barbs and snaps at each other. On top of it all, Joe is frustrated with the loud sex happening upstairs at their neighbor’s home while Angela is not-so-quietly curious. She invites them to dinner, despite Joe’s irritation. Neighbor-couple Pina (Penélope Cruz) and Hawk (Edward Norton), the much more relaxed and hip counterparts to Angela and Joe, reveal what they’ve really been up to, much to their hosts’ shock.
THE INVITE
What’s it rated? R
When? 2026
Where’s it showing? HBO Max
The Invite is a sleeper hit of sorts. Taking place over the course of that one dinner party, the film packs depth and humor in its scrutiny of the couples. Everyone probably knows couples like Angela and Joe, or Pina and Hawk. Maybe they even see themselves in them. Still, the plot isn’t predictable and keeps the audience on their toes, thanks to the smart screenplay by Rashida Jones and Will McCormack. It’s too bad The Invite didn’t have a wider theatrical release locally, but it’s ready to view for everyone’s streaming pleasure. (107 min.) ∆
This article appears in Nov 5-12, 2026.
