The Invite – Movie Reviews by Ry!

The Invite – Breakdown of a Dinner … It’s a Couple’s Thing

The mark of a person’s worth is a matter of growth and connection.  It is upon this path where we turn and twist, pushing along rocky moments that build into a fever pitch.  For all that may come, it is that reflection of reality that is true in the end.  This personal journey can create riveting tales, one where characters are the focus … especially in film.  In this review, I look at the latest drama film.  Through a simple focus on relationships, we head into a place where honest conversations become much more.  With a strong cast, The Invite is a riveting complexion of worth and relationships … and what it truly means to be, yourself.

When a simple dinner becomes something more, two couples will come to see what together truly means.  From action to romance, the mark of a tale always begins with the astute focus of character.  That point is a place where the grip must feel genuine, no matter where the story heads.  That innate feeling puts you in a place where escape and reality can become one, no matter if you’re chasing the stars or facing your teenage years.  The aspect of a tale rises with the individual, especially in character dramas like this one.  As this story begins, we meet Joe (Seth Rogan) and Angela (Olivia Wilde), a couple that is dealing with a rough patch in their marriage.  Through conversational moments, Joe finds out (after coming home from work) that Angela has invited the neighbors for dinner.  This leads to the introduction of Hawk (Edward Norton) and Pina (Penelope Cruz), who come over for the planned couple’s night.  After another series of raw conversational moments, we head into a tale that goes beyond just having a ‘nice’ dinner with the neighbors.  As one thing leads to the next, the foundational elements of the film evolve, leading into a deeper character tale.  As their conversations move from whimsical naïve banter to honest moments of personal reflection, harden themes about relationships are put on the table (no pun intended).  It is here that the raw details of everyone come out, creating a certain gravitas that layers past situations with current events.  Through the methodical directive built upon dialogue and personal interactions, you feel the wholesomeness that unravels throughout the evening.  This is where you come to realize that the simple foundation of drama becomes an elevated experience of storytelling.

As the evenings events continue to move between whimsical banter to raw confessional moments, the trivial cause of what might have felt melodramatic is squashed by the amazing talent driven to create characters with unique personalities.  This leads to a continual high and low of unpredictability, marking situations as authentic for the audience.  As things hit a certain crossroads, we come into a third act that undresses the individuals, leading to a well-earned full circle climax and epilogue.  The Invite is much more than just another drama film.  If you are a fan of character driven stories or reflective like narratives, this one will not disappoint.  I believe this film is an award worthy experience.

Full Score – 4.5 out of 5 (Award Worthy)