The Invite
Summary
Pop Culture Happy Hour hosts Linda Holmes and Aisha Harris, along with guest Soraya Nadia McDonald, review Olivia Wilde’s new comedy *The Invite*. The film stars Seth Rogen, Penelope Cruz, Edward Norton, and Wilde as two couples whose dinner party exposes marital tensions and sexual dynamics. The critics praise the claustrophobic direction, strong performances, and thoughtful exploration of relationships, comparing the intense drama to *Who’s Afraid of Virginia Woolf*.
Topics discussed
Intro: Amazon Health ad and The Invite premise
Guest intro and plot summary of The Invite
Aisha Harris compares film to Virginia Woolf and Shiva Baby
Soraya McDonald praises Norton and the fresh take on marriage
Linda Holmes discusses cinematic techniques and character dynamics
Sponsors: BetterHelp, Strawberry.me, Dell, and Thumbtack
Analysis of score, focus shifts, and Olivia Wilde's direction
Character depth: Penelope Cruz, Edward Norton, and Seth Rogen
Critique of believability regarding polyamory in San Francisco
Discussion on hosting details, Esther Perel, and humanizing characters
Final thoughts on Seth Rogen's range and theatrical recommendation
Outro, credits, and It's Been a Minute promo
Listen ad-free on Castria