A scene from 'The Invite'

The Invite review: Awkward banter leads to brutal truths

‘The Invite’ exposes truths and vulnerabilities over the course of a dinner that never actually makes it to the table.

People can’t help comparing themselves to or judging those around them. The same is true for couples who may assess the strength of their relationship against others they know. Looking at how these couples relate to each other, they may decide they’re the more contented pair. Conversely, they may envy some or all aspects of another couple’s connection, leading to issues like resentment or infidelity. This is clearly not a healthy practice, but it’s almost unavoidable. In The Invite, an impromptu dinner party leads to some unexpected realizations and distinctions.

Happy isn’t the first word you’d use to describe Joe (Seth Rogen) and Angela’s (Olivia Wilde) marriage. Their constant arguing is unkind and often offensive. But tonight, they need to at least pretend to like each other because the upstairs neighbours are coming for dinner. There’s something inherently cool about Hawk (Edward Norton) and Piña (Penélope Cruz). Angela wants to be more like them, while Joe can’t stand to be around them. But as the awkward evening unfolds, they discover there may be a mystery ingredient to their new friends’ magnetic bond. Even better, Hawk and Piña are willing to share their secret if Joe and Angela can keep it together.

Who’s Afraid of Virginia Woolf? heavily influences the first act as Joe and Angela scramble to prepare for Hawk and Piña’s arrival. Annoyed with Angela for springing the dinner party on him, Joe is determined to use it as an opportunity to confront the couple about the obscene noises coming from their apartment at night. But Angela refuses to let him embarrass her as they exchange knowing looks when they think their guests aren’t watching. In the meantime, it’s impossible for the neighbours not to feel the tension, making them clearly uncomfortable and eager to escape.

Joe and Angela’s marriage is in sharp contrast to Hawk and Piña’s connection. They are still in the honeymoon stage of their comparatively short relationship. The couple drape themselves over and around each other, rarely breaking physical contact. They speak in a hushed secret language (Spanish without subtitles) and have cute disagreements. It’s no wonder Angela is jealous when she and Joe can barely speak to each other without exchanging barbs.

Unsurprisingly, the evening is awkward and unpredictable. The conversation keeps taking unexpected turns, revealing a lot about the characters in a short time. Much of what they talk about is absurd. From disbelief about Hawk being a retired firefighter to Joe aggressively avoiding any attempt to talk about his band. Meanwhile, Angela gawkily trips over compliments about her decorative tastes and an odd visual compares Piña’s flan to heroin. Nonetheless, the dialogue is snappy as each venture down a strange path takes them closer to a truth.

At first glance, the casting seems a bit odd. But the dynamics and chemistry are perfect. Rogen and Wilde (who also directs) have excellent timing, never missing a beat or facial expression. Joe and Angela mask their pain and dissatisfaction in sarcasm and seamless exchanges, creating the illusion of a strong connection. But it’s clear their playful digs are covering up more serious issues, demonstrating a fine line between comfortable and indifferent.

It’s not often Rogen has a chance to balance comedy and sincerity. Even Joe’s commitment to riding a bicycle up San Francisco’s hills sets certain expectations for his character. But nothing prepares audiences for the total abandonment that accompanies a striptease to the sexy sounds of Sade. On the other hand, Cruz and Norton radiate cool, calm and collected energy through most of the picture. Even when Hawk and Piña are uneasy, they do their best to get the vibe back on track. This stark difference nurtures vulnerability.

The film takes a dramatic turn at the end, significantly changing the tone of the last act. But it’s all the earlier humour and banter that makes the conclusion impactful. Wilde skillfully constructs an emotional journey that travels from anxious and agitated to intrigued and stimulated to heartbreaking and relatable. Confining all those feelings in the spacious apartment causes it to gradually shrink under the swelling emotions.

It’s a winding road to the couple’s sombre reality, but it makes the film experience so moving.

Director: Olivia Wilde
Starring: Seth Rogen, Olivia Wilde, Penélope Cruz and Edward Norton

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