Plot: A man accepts an invitation to a dinner party hosted by his ex-wife, an unsettling affair that reopens old wounds and creates new tensions.
Director: Karyn Kusama
Starring: Logan Marshall-Green, Michiel Huisman, Emayatzy Corinealdi, Tammy Blanchard
Released: April 2016
When it comes to The Invitation, it’s difficult to assign it to just one genre, is it a drama? is it a psychological thriller?, does it have touches of a horror film?, I would argue yes to all of the above and even throw some mystery into the mix for good measure, all of which makes this film on of my favourite recent horror/thrillers and one that works on a multitude of different levels.
Karyn Kusama creates very effectively a wonderfully claustrophobic atmosphere inside the house in which the dinner party is taking place. conjuring up a location where paranoia can bloom. Shown pretty much from the point of view of Will, the film, the editing and the transition from one scene to scene are intentionally abrupt, making you doubt if he is a reliable narrator or is his paranoia getting the better of him in this obviously stressful situation.
I love the way the film is shot, with a rich visual colour texture, shifting from the orange-scenes in the party to a blue of the flashback scenes, elevating the relatively simple camera work. From artistic sense, it makes the film more interesting and when the more complicated shots appear later on in the film it comes out of left field and turns things up a notch.
When it comes to the acting, everyone does a great job with what they are given, but it’s Logan Marshall-Green and Tammy Blanchard who steal the show and packing in the emotion. Green is extremely charismatic throughout whilst remaining stoic for most of the first act before his genuine vulnerability caused by his inner turmoil and guilt becomes too much. Blanchard, on the other hand, is the perfect Hitchcockian mystery woman, with subtle hints throughout hinting at her inner darkness hiding just underneath the smile.
‘The Invitation’ is a brilliantly acting and directed suspenseful thriller that explores both grief and the lengths in which people will go through to avoid having to face their sadness, whilst at the same time warning against people that will use your grief for their own gains.
If you liked: Midsommar, Shutter Islands, Ghost Stores
I don’t get why you going to go to a dinner with your ex but anyways that’s the weird point of this type of movies I think I’m going to give it a chance
This looks like a pretty cool thriller. I enjoy these kinds of movies, will have to check it out.
I have to see this. I’m a huge fan of intense drama and suspense. The Invitation looks and sounds like an amazing film.
Ooo I’ve heard of this. Looks like an edge of your seat, creepy watch. One of the main cast from Haunting of Hill House is in it, eh? It’s on my ‘to watch’ list! Thanks for sharing your thoughts 🙂
Oh yes, this film has touches of a horror film! Excellent review of a complex movie.
I haven’t heard of this one. It does look like the type of thing I would enjoy!
I love a good horror; however, I don’t think this is compelling enough for me. I love suspense thrillers and find them scarier than cheesy gore and horror movies. This leans towards suspense, but I am not really sold on the acting. If someone like Frederic March played the main character, I am almost certain it would be more successful. I definitely enjoy your reviews though. Wonderful blog.
I love a good drama with a little romance mixed in 🤣
Hhhhmmmm….it’s my first time hearing of this movie. It’s one I would definitely love to watch. It’s right up my alley.
With so many movies released almost every week it is so very difficult to choose which ones not to miss. I love this storyline of The Invitation and would try and watch it. Your reviews have been very useful in the past and I would go by your recommendation.
Seems like a great film! I’m so excited to watch it with my best friend! I need to put it in my list.
Well that it quite an interesting movie. I’d love to see this soon and sounds amazing.
I saw The Invitation and it was a crazy movie. Like that film was nuts because I think this could be happening in real life you never know!
I have never heard of this movie before, but it sounds interesting! I’ll add it to my list to check out.