‘The Invite’

The Invite (2026) follows in the tradition of films that are largely set in one location and work much like a theatrical play. The edgy story and dialogue of this film has been compared to Who’s Afraid of Virginia Woolf?‍ ‍(1966). The Invite had a $15 million budget and took $58.3 million at the box office, so it’s been a commercial success. Interestingly, it was filmed using 35mm film and not a digital camera.

The story is about a couple, in a stale phase of their relationship, invited by the couple upstairs to participate in some sexual experimentation. It’s a nicely produced film with decent acting. I was expecting more from the story though, and the comparison with Who’s Afraid of Virginia Woolf?‍ didn’t really stand up for me. I think this is the kind of film – like The Ballad of Wallis Island (2025) – which, if you’re in the right mood, it will resonate strongly, but if you’re not in the right mood, it could be underwhelming.