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“The Invite” Or, Who’s Afraid Of Olivia Wilde? (With Emily Gould)

Jul 30, 2026 · 1h 35m

Summary

Hosts Richard Lawson and Allison Wilmer are joined by Emily Gould to discuss Olivia Wilde’s film *The Invite*. They analyze the movie’s depiction of two couples navigating awkward social dynamics and non-monogamy, praising the performances and direction while critiquing the characters' unrealistic wealth. The group also shares personal anecdotes about attending *Les Misérables* and debating the film’s cultural relevance.

Topics discussed

Introduction and podcast format overview The Invite: Non-monogamy, dinner party dynamics, and social testing Olivia Wilde's performance and character analysis The Invite's source material and San Francisco housing reality Directing style, Olivia Wilde's rage, and economic nitpicks Seth Rogen and Edward Norton's character dynamics Penelope Cruz's monologue and Esther Perel influence Spoiler discussion: The sex scene and relationship resolutions Psychosomatic back pain and the Sarno method Olivia Wilde's biography, career, and public image Recommendations: The Regime, Public Access Afterworld, and The Shrink Next Door Review of the show Adults and episode wrap-up
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