Seth Rogen & Olivia Wilde’s New Movie Draws Inviting RT Reviews

Olivia Wilde and Seth Rogen’s The Invite just landed a huge Rotten Tomatoes score after its Sundance premiere. Here’s what critics are saying about the star-studded comedy-drama ahead of its theatrical release.

What critics are saying about The Invite in reviews

Critics praise Olivia Wilde’s latest directorial effort, The Invite, following its Sundance premiere. Rolling Stone’s David Fear calls it a film that “manages to avoid being either stagy or stodgy.” He also highlights how “the actors sync up their own unique performance styles” throughout the picture.

The New York Post’s Johnny Oleksinski describes it as “a sophisticated, snappy, seductive and stupendously funny film.” He adds the story follows “a long-married couple who are in way over their heads.” Meanwhile, TheWrap’s Adam Chitwood labels it “an uproarious, deeply felt and impeccably crafted chamber piece.” He also states it “solidifies her as a major talent both in front of and behind the camera.”

The Hollywood Reporter’s David Rooney states the film “should silence the doubters” about Wilde’s directing abilities. The Daily Beast’s Nick Schager calls it “a hysterical, insightful, and ultimately moving portrait.”

Variety’s Owen Gleiberman writes that the film leaves audiences in “a state of rapt immersion and delight.” The Guardian’s Benjamin Lee notes that “a genuinely funny and uncommonly intelligent comedy for adults” was overdue.

IndieWire’s Kate Erbland praises Wilde’s performance, comparing her to Lucille Ball’s “elasticity.” However, Vulture’s Bilge Ebiri offers a dissenting take. He argues the characters “never come across as real people” on screen.

The Invite gets a strong score on Rotten Tomatoes

The film currently holds a 91% Tomatometer score based on 35 reviews. It carries an R rating and runs one hour and 47 minutes long. A24 will distribute the comedy-drama in limited theatrical release on June 26, 2026.

Rashida Jones and Will McCormack wrote the screenplay, based on a 2020 Spanish film. Annapurna Pictures, FilmNation Entertainment, and Permut Presentations produced the project together. The cast features Seth Rogen, Penélope Cruz, and Edward Norton alongside Wilde herself.

Source: Comingsoon.net