Olivia Wilde's film 'The Invite' debuts, sparking reviews and social media discussion

Olivia Wilde's latest movie, The Invite, opened in theaters on July 10. The dramedy, adapted from the Spanish film Sentimental (released in the U.S. as The People Upstairs), is directed by Wilde and stars Edward Norton, Penélope Cruz, Seth Rogen and Wilde herself as a married couple whose dinner with charismatic neighbors escalates into humor, tension and revelations about marriage and desire.

Critics highlighted the film’s tight, stage‑like setting and rapid‑fire dialogue. Reviews praised the ensemble performances—particularly Cruz’s charisma and Norton’s wit—and noted Wilde’s confident direction, contrasting it with her earlier, more stylized projects. The film’s blend of sharp comedy and emotionally raw moments was described as an “emotionally chaotic chamber piece.”

The London premiere generated additional buzz online, with social‑media users commenting on Wilde’s appearance in a form‑fitting dress and expressing concern for her health. Wilde responded humorously, comparing herself to fictional characters, and later discussed her fashion choices as a director versus an actor, emphasizing a desire to dress more casually on press tours. She also paid tribute to the late Diane Keaton, saying Keaton’s “DNA” influences the film’s exploration of vulnerability.