The Invite (2026) is directed by Olivia Wilde, featuring a screenplay by Will McCormack & Rashida Jones. It stars Seth Rogen, Olivia Wilde, Edward Norton, and Penélope Cruz. The film follows Joe (Rogen), a stressed-out music professor who returns home after one particularly crappy day, only to find out that his wife, Angela (Wilde), has invited their upstairs neighbors (Norton, Cruz) over for dinner. Throughout the night, the two couples bicker and bond, eventually leading to a somewhat unexpected proposition. The question is: will this bring Joe and Angela closer together or tear them completely apart? 

The four stars play off of one another nicely. They each clearly communicate their characters’ unique personalities and the film’s darkly comedic tone. Each pairing of the four has a different, entertaining dynamic that’s either wonderfully stressful or awkwardly hilarious. Depending on which of them are interacting, you’re laughing, compelled by the petty domestic drama, or both. After dwelling on it for a bit, I still can’t decide which of these performances I think is the strongest, which, in this case, I mean as a compliment.

Rogan’s still himself, so this isn’t going to make his haters change their minds. That said, he feels particularly well-cast and clearly gives it his all. It’s one of his best dramatic performances despite not being a ‘blow-your-mind’ kind of effort. His bubbling, everyman brand of working-week-induced rage is something that a majority of Americans can immediately relate to, making him a consistently enjoyable, if not particularly agreeable, presence. 

Olivia Wilde gives arguably her best directorial effort so far, and although she’s good as Angela, the casting feels more based on convenience than on her being a perfect fit for the character. I just don’t fully buy her as this kind of romantically frustrated, cooped-up, bored housewife. I understand that a lot of this is being caused by her estranged marriage, but I guess I wasn’t sold on the character’s conservative personality for most of the story. 

The much more adventurous upstairs neighbor couple played by Edward Norton and Penélope Cruz end up being a pleasant surprise. These initially quirky weirdos are eventually revealed to be as complex and human as their more outwardly ordinary neighbors. This high level of acting isn’t a surprise from proven vets such as these; they only need good material. Norton, in particular, delivers one of the movie’s best emotional monologues, giving the story its first moment that lets the audience know they’re going to cry.   

If you’re someone who isn’t a fan of stories that consistently make you uncomfortable, I wouldn’t recommend this. However, if you can find any enjoyment in those kinds of experiences, it’s a consistently engaging watch. As this seemingly ordinary domestic drama builds, the viewer becomes attached to characters in ways that are hard to even notice. You go from “I don’t care” to “I hope this works out” with a subtlety that’s impressive in hindsight. Just when you think the film is going to be a simple relationship comedy, it blindsides you with a heart bigger than some of the best pure romance films. It’s real, a little sad, and a little hopeful–providing a perfect warm fuzzies moment as the credits roll.

Overall, The Invite is my favorite new romance in a long time. It has a lot of awkward, relatable laughs, tackles some thought-provoking subjects, and makes you shed a few tears along the way. The dialogue is natural and engaging, and the ensemble is as strong as one can hope for. This genre usually isn’t one I’m particularly fond of, but this movie definitely impressed me. Both sides of a given relationship should enjoy this equally unless they hate awkward comedy/drama or Seth Rogen. B+