Olivia Wilde Stuns at ‘The Invite’ SAG-AFTRA Foundation Conversation

Olivia Wilde arrived at the SAG-AFTRA Foundation Conversations event for ‘The Invite’ exuding a relaxed and unhurried vibe, reflecting the positive critical reception her new film has garnered since it received a standing ovation at Sundance earlier this year.

Wilde was accompanied by co-star Penélope Cruz, and the director-actress appears to be enjoying a moment of genuine creative momentum.

‘The Invite’ is an A24 comedy directed by Wilde and penned by Rashida Jones and Will McCormack, inspired by the Spanish film ‘The People Upstairs’ by Cesc Gay. The film features Seth Rogen and Wilde as Joe and Angela, a couple facing marital challenges, who invite their mysterious upstairs neighbors, played by Penélope Cruz and Edward Norton, to a dinner party that takes unexpected turns. It is set for a limited theatrical release on June 26, followed by a wider expansion on July 10.

The critical response has been overwhelmingly positive, with the film holding a 92 percent rating on Rotten Tomatoes from 36 reviews and a Metacritic score of 77. Critics have likened it to ‘Who’s Afraid of Virginia Woolf,’ praising it as genuinely funny, exceptionally intelligent, and one of the most rewarding adult comedies in recent years.

The cast boasts significant awards credentials. Edward Norton and Penélope Cruz are both four-time Oscar nominees, with Cruz winning for ‘Vicky Cristina Barcelona,’ while Seth Rogen has earned four Emmy wins for ‘The Studio.’ Wilde previously won an Independent Spirit Award for directing ‘Booksmart’ and received the Graffetta d’Oro at Venice for ‘Don’t Worry Darling.’

Filming took just 23 days in chronological order, primarily in Los Angeles, with two days of location shooting in San Francisco. The score was composed by Dev Hynes, and the film is dedicated to Diane Keaton. This focused, intentional production style seems to have contributed to the intimacy and spontaneity that critics have consistently lauded.

Wilde shared with The Hollywood Reporter before Sundance that the project felt like the creative experience she had always sought, describing it as “a movie that would just allow a group of creative people to come together and actually, truly collaborate.”

A bidding war led A24 to acquire the film after its Sundance debut, indicating the distributor’s strong belief in its commercial and awards potential. With a star-studded cast, a 92 percent critical rating, and the A24 label, ‘The Invite’ is poised to make a significant impact at a time when Wilde has much to prove, and all signs suggest she has the film to do just that.

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