Actress Olivia Wilde’s third directorial effort The Invite looks at evolving relationships
Sign up now: Get ST's newsletters delivered to your inbox
Olivia Wilde (left) and Seth Rogen in The Invite, which tells the story of two couples at different moments in their relationships.
PHOTO: SHAW ORGANISATION
LOS ANGELES – Directing and starring in the sexy comedy The Invite, Olivia Wilde took a deep dive into discussions about relationships and how they survive – conversations her co-stars joined with open arms.
“There was an amazing kind of collective catharsis,” the 42-year-old American actress said at the Hollywood premiere of her new film, in which she shares the screen with Seth Rogen, Edward Norton and Penelope Cruz.
“I think we all walked away feeling like we had gained a little bit of knowledge, a little perspective from each other, because everyone had been so vulnerable.”
Wilde added: “I was intimidated by the idea of doing both jobs.” But with her cast members’ encouragement, she jumped in. “And I’m so happy I did because acting in this movie was definitely the greatest experience I’ve ever had as an actor.”
The Invite, which had its world premiere at the Sundance Film Festival earlier in 2026, tells the story of two couples at different moments in their relationships.
When the frustrated and tired Joe and Angela (Rogen and Wilde) host the charismatic and sexually adventurous Hawk and Pina (Norton and Cruz) for a dinner party, the night takes some unexpected turns.
The film is both funny and dark, and allows viewers to ponder their own relationship issues.
“It was a really great and honest examination of how relationships evolve as the people in them evolve,” Rogen said.
The 44-year-old Canadian actor – coming off a banner year of awards for his Hollywood satire The Studio (2025 to present) – said relationships are always box-office gold because “it’s high stakes, very personal, very relatable”.
The cast said the film works because of its screenplay, written by American actors Rashida Jones and Will McCormack (who also wrote the 2012 romantic comedy Celeste And Jesse Forever).
The Invite was inspired by the work of Spanish director Cesc Gay, who wrote the play The Neighbors From Upstairs, which was made into the Spanish-language film Sentimental in 2020.
(From left) Rashida Jones, Seth Rogen, Olivia Wilde, Penelope Cruz, Edward Norton and Will McCormack at the Los Angeles premiere of The Invite on June 24, 2026.
PHOTO: AFP
Jones, also known for acting in comedy series Parks And Recreation (2009 to 2015), said the film clicks “even though we’re talking about very dysfunctional people and dysfunctional relationships” – or maybe even because of that fact.
“We tried to layer things into those relationships that didn’t feel only dramatic, but also really relatable to anybody who’s been in a long-term relationship, and I think people see themselves in it,” she said.
The script attracted Cruz, 52, to the project. The Spanish Oscar winner said she could not stop laughing when she first read it.
“I’m always looking for smart comedies, comedies that move you – which is a genre that isn’t the easiest for sure,” she said.
Beyond offering audiences a good laugh, Wilde – in her third directorial effort after coming-of-age comedy Booksmart (2019) and psychological thriller Don’t Worry Darling (2022) – wanted to convey some life lessons.
For starters, relationships change, just like the people in them, and both parties need to accept those changes if the relationship enters a new phase.
“Also, the movie is saying sometimes, it’s better not to stay in the relationship,” said Wilde, who has two children with her former partner, American actor Jason Sudeikis, and previously dated British singer-actor Harry Styles.
“You have to take responsibility for your happiness and never stay out of resentment or inertia or acceptance. It’s about making a choice.” AFP
The Invite opens in Singapore cinemas on July 2.
