Olivia Wilde defends theatrical comedy at Locarno

Director and actress Olivia Wilde is advocating for the importance of theatrical releases for comedy, following the screening of her film ‘The Invite’ at the Locarno Film Festival. Wilde argues that comedy is a genre that uniquely benefits from a communal audience experience, noting that laughter is influenced by the timing and collective energy of a room.

‘The Invite’ is a marital chamber comedy adapted from Cesc Gay’s ‘Sentimental’. The film stars Wilde alongside Seth Rogen, Penélope Cruz, and Edward Norton. The story follows a married couple whose domestic tensions escalate during a dinner with their neighbors. While the film has seen success in theaters via A24, Wilde expressed concerns regarding how contemporary distribution models and streaming services often prioritize small screens over the shared cinematic experience.