A24’s The Invite Olivia Wilde and Seth Rogen Star in New Comedy Film

Following the tremendous success of ‘Backrooms’, A24 is back in the limelight with another film that is garnering significant attention from both critics and audiences.

The new movie, titled ‘The Invite’, is directed by Olivia Wilde and features a screenplay by Will McCormack and Rashida Jones. This film is an English-language remake of the Spanish film ‘The People Upstairs’, originally helmed by Cesc Gay. It boasts a star-studded cast including Seth Rogen, Olivia Wilde, Penélope Cruz, and Edward Norton.

The narrative revolves around a group of characters whose lives become increasingly complicated during a social gathering. The film cleverly weaves humor through awkward conversations, couple tensions, and unexpected emotional moments. Early festival coverage indicates that it blends comedy with relationship drama in a straightforward yet effective manner.

‘The Invite’ premiered at the Eccles Theater during the 2026 Sundance Film Festival on January 24, receiving positive feedback from audiences and critics alike. Following its premiere, A24 acquired the film for distribution, adding to its recent box office triumph with ‘Backrooms’.

A24 has slated ‘The Invite’ for a limited theatrical release in the United States on June 26. The studio is marketing the film as a smaller, character-driven project, contrasting it with its larger genre titles. However, early reactions suggest it has the potential to attract a broad audience upon its theatrical debut.

Critics have largely responded positively to the film thus far. On Rotten Tomatoes, ‘The Invite’ currently holds a 92% approval rating based on 36 reviews, positioning it among the top-reviewed comedies of the year.

Doug Jamieson of The Jam Report offered a glowing review, stating, “Sharp, sexy, hilarious and unexpectedly moving, it’s further proof that sometimes all you need is four great actors, one incredible script, and a director with the confidence to just let them cook.”

Philip De Semlyen of Time Out also commended the film, remarking, “Wilde’s latest slots into a rich lineage of hilariously awkward sex comedies. With a stellar cast finding alchemy in their contrasting styles, it’s daringly close to the bone and frequently fall-off-your-chair funny.”

Other critics have highlighted the impressive performances of the cast. Robert Kojder of Flickering Myth described it as a fun experience, emphasizing the chemistry among the cast. Nick Johnston of Vanyaland noted that it is a comedy that succeeds without needing deeper meaning, while Rene Sanchez of Cine Sin Fronteras called it a “funny and unforgettable soirée” that captures the ups and downs of relationships. Rachel Wagner of Rachel’s Reviews found it entertaining, even if it doesn’t reach the heights of a major comedic masterpiece.

The cast has emerged as a key talking point for the film. Seth Rogen portrays Joe, Olivia Wilde plays Angela, Penélope Cruz takes on the role of Pína, and Edward Norton plays Hawk. Critics have consistently noted that the combination of these four actors is a significant strength of the movie.

With strong buzz from festivals and favorable early reviews, ‘The Invite’ is poised to be another noteworthy release for A24. Following the massive success of ‘Backrooms’, it adds to what is shaping up to be a remarkable run for the studio in 2026.

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