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The Invite just earned a stellar 91% on Rotten Tomatoes, heading to theaters June 26 with a powerhouse cast. Olivia Wilde directs and stars in this provocative comedy. What happens when a couple on the brink invites their risque neighbors over for dinner.
🔥 Quick Facts
- Release Date: June 26, 2026 in limited theatrical release via A24
- Rotten Tomatoes Score: 91% fresh from 24 critics after Sundance premiere
- Sundance Premiere: January 24, 2026 at Eccles Theater with standing ovation
- Director: Olivia Wilde’s third feature film after Booksmart and Don’t Worry Darling
A Couples Night From Hell Sparks Bidding War
The Invite became Sundance 2026’s hottest acquisition following its January 24 premiere. Multiple studios including Netflix, Focus Features, and Warner Bros competed for distribution rights. A24 ultimately secured North American distribution in a deal exceeding $12 million, defeating a last-minute Warner Bros bid.
The film centers on Joe and Angela, a married couple experiencing a rough patch. They invite their enigmatic upstairs neighbors for a dinner party. The night spirals into unexpected complications when their neighbors make an unusual proposition.
The Invite earns 91% on Rotten Tomatoes, arrives June 26 with stellar cast
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Star-Studded Cast Delivers Critical Acclaim
The ensemble features Seth Rogen as Joe, Olivia Wilde as Angela, Penélope Cruz as Pína, and Edward Norton as Hawk. Critics consistently praised their chemistry and performances. Variety’s Owen Gleiberman called it “marvelously entertaining” and compared it favorably to Who’s Afraid of Virginia Woolf?
The Guardian’s Benjamin Lee gave it four out of five stars, hailing it as “genuinely funny and uncommonly intelligent comedy for adults.” Deadline’s Glenn Garner noted the film “explores dynamics of sex and relationships with raw and endearing honesty.”
Behind-the-Scenes: From Script to Screen
The film is based on the Spanish movie The People Upstairs by Cesc Gay. Rashida Jones and Will McCormack wrote the screenplay. Megan Ellison, David Permut, and Ben Browning produced the project.
| Detail | Information |
| Director | Olivia Wilde (3rd feature film) |
| Release Date | June 26, 2026 (Limited) |
| Runtime | 107 minutes |
| Distributor | A24 |
Filming occurred in San Francisco over just 23 days, shot in chronological order. According to reports, the production was remarkably efficient. Wilde stated she was grateful for the collaborative experience: “It was the kind of experience I’ve been dreaming of my whole career.”
“At this point, it’s hard to deny she’s the real deal as a director.”
— David Rooney, The Hollywood Reporter Chief Film Critic
What Critics Are Saying About This Sundance Breakout
IndieWire’s Kate Erbland gave it a B+ rating, calling it “such a treat, a truly adult comedy with plenty to say.” The Hollywood Reporter’s David Rooney declared it “well worth RSVPing” to the theatrical event.
Metacritic assigned the film a score of 76 out of 100 based on 12 critics, indicating “generally favorable” reviews. Some critics noted occasional stumbles in the third act. Bilge Ebiri of Vulture felt character moments “don’t feel fully earned,” though the film generated significant awards conversation at major festivals.
Will The Invite Become Your Summer Date Night Must-See
This provocative dinner party comedy addresses modern relationships, monogamy, and vulnerability with sharp wit and candor. The A24 release brings indie sensibility to a mainstream platform. Early audiences responded enthusiastically to its smart writing and fearless performances.
With its 91% critical approval and strong word-of-mouth from Sundance, expect significant cultural conversation when it arrives June 26. The film offers sophisticated entertainment for adult audiences seeking smart, uncomfortable laughs about marriage, desire, and social boundaries.
Watch the Official Trailer
Sources
- Rotten Tomatoes – 91% critical score with 24 reviews from Sundance premiere
- Wikipedia – Comprehensive production, release, and reception details
- The Hollywood Reporter – Distribution deal, cast, crew, and critical reviews
