Olivia Wilde and the acclaimed film The Invitation: "I became much less cynical about marriage".

Olivia Wilde has unveiled her third feature film as a director, La Invitación, which is based on the Spanish film Sentimental (2020) directed by César Gámez. The movie marks a shift in Wilde’s approach to storytelling, as she admits she has become less cynical about marriage after directing this project. The film, now available in Chilean theaters, explores the complexities of relationships through the lens of two couples whose lives intersect during a chaotic evening. Wilde began by revisiting the original Spanish film, Sentimental, to understand its foundation before adapting it into English. She found the premise both simple and fertile, noting how it has inspired adaptations in South Korea, Italy, Switzerland, and France. In her adaptation, Wilde chose to focus on the character of Joe, a music teacher struggling with monotony and physical ailments, rather than starting with Angela, the domestic artist originally portrayed in the Spanish version. This decision was driven by her belief that Joe's midlife paralysis is central to the narrative. To develop the script, Wilde organized a creative workshop involving the cast and co-writers Rashida Jones and Will McCormack. They discussed the characters and story in depth, making adjustments to the text. One notable change was the introduction of a scene not present in the Spanish version, where the couples swap partners, Joe ends up with Piña, while Angela pairs with Hawk. This moment, according to Jones, serves as a powerful narrative device, highlighting the disruption caused by Joe’s physical condition. She described the scene as a way to explore how the dynamics of the relationship evolve under pressure. Jones emphasized the significance of this new addition, explaining that it allows for a deeper examination of the emotional and psychological shifts within the characters. She noted that while the Spanish version portrays the couples as somewhat scandalized and excited, the English version shows them so engrossed in each other that they almost forget their discomfort. This contrast underscores the different cultural perspectives on intimacy and connection. Wilde, who previously directed The Night Before (2015) and Don’t Worry, Darling (2022), aims to spark a conversation about long-term relationships, particularly regarding monogamy and the role of sex within them. While she acknowledges that the film focuses more on relationships than on explicit sexual content, she believes that sex plays a crucial role in shaping how individuals communicate and connect. She argues that in American culture, sex is often undervalued as a form of nonverbal communication and trust-building, despite its importance in fostering intimacy. In reflecting on the process, Wilde expressed pride in the final product, calling it one of Seth Rogen’s best performances. She sees his portrayal of Joe as a compelling exploration of vulnerability and transformation. The film, she says, is ultimately about the courage to communicate with one’s partner about personal growth and evolving desires, a theme she hopes will resonate with audiences.