The Invite

You’ve got to admire a one-setting, script-driven, ‘play-like’ film.

The Invite is a top drawer example from Olivia Wilde and almost reinvents the classic screwball comedy for the modern era.

As one couple (Wilde herself and Seth Rogen) invite their upstairs neighbours (Penelope Cruz and Edward Norton) for a dinner party they get more than they bargained for in every which way.

At times a farce, a comedy, a drama and a psychological study of relationships, this is a very sharply written and hugely enjoyable piece.

Never pausing for breath, the rat-a-tat dialogue is immaculately delivered by four actors on the top of their game.

It has pointed comments to make on relationships whilst also remembering to leaven the tension with a few laugh-out-loud moments.

The story throws in some unexpected twists and turns and wraps itself up nicely too.

A brilliant modern take on the old-style sex and relationship comedy and three for three for Wilde as a director.

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️