This article is jointly published with The Daily Utah Chronicle as part of collaborative coverage of the 2026 Sundance Film Festival.

This article contains quotes from the Q&A portion of “The Invite” premiere.

“The Invite,” starring Olivia Wilde, Seth Rogen, Edward Norton and Penélope Cruz, brought uproars of laughter to the Sundance Film Festival. The story focuses on a couple, Angela and Joe, who hit a rough patch in their marriage. The couple hosts their new neighbors for a casual dinner to see their newly renovated apartment, which ends in a night of heartbreak, confessions and uncovered sexual expression. 

Balancing comedic and dramatic influence

Although the film features some of the funniest lines that cinema has seen recently, it also showcases raw, vulnerable moments. “The great thing about this script was it allowed us to take people on that journey, to let them laugh, let them relax and then just gut punch them with divorce,” Wilde said. The balance between comedy, drama and depth in this film brings out every emotion of the viewers as they follow one night with these two couples. 

Wilde wore two caps in the making of this film, actress and director. Norton praised her ability to take on both roles, saying, “It’s hard for me to overstate the grace and wisdom with which Olivia gave that performance and directed us, and worked with Adam on this gorgeously composed film.” Rogen mentioned that when he first signed on to the movie, Wilde was not going to act in it, “She (Wilde) kept sending us (Norton & Rogan) names of other people, and I was like, why are we doing this? There’s an obvious person who should do this,” he said. “Once she decided to cast herself in this film, which she didn’t seem to want to do, it really took off.”

Making good movies together

Each actor brought their own touch to this movie, making it seem as if each role was truly made for them. Rogen’s blatant, humorous comments as Joe and Wilde’s quick-witted remarks made for the perfect comedy duo. Writer Will McCormack said, “We were in awe of what they (the cast) brought to the project, but everyone brought their own pathos, talent, tenderness and comedy. It just felt like such a special thing to be a part of.”

“The Invite” was a perfect way to honor and celebrate the festival’s legacy thus far, with its humor and honesty.