Olivia Wilde stuns with bold remake 'The Invite' after Sundance success

Olivia Wilde’s comedy‑drama *The Invite* has gone from the Sundance stage to home screens, launching on Amazon Prime Video today. The film, which premiered at the festival in January, is now available for purchase or rent on the streaming platform.

Fans of Wilde’s earlier work can stream the movie on any device that supports Prime Video.

## Background & Context

*The Invite* is a contemporary remake of the 2020 Spanish film *The People Upstairs*. The original, written and directed by Rashida Jones, quickly became a cult hit in Europe for its razor‑sharp dialogue and absurd yet heartfelt take on domestic life.

Jones, who also stars in the original, co‑authored the English‑language adaptation with Will McCormack—known for his work on *Parks and Rec*—to keep the script’s humor intact while making it resonate with a broader audience.

Olivia Wilde steps behind the camera as director while also portraying Angela, a woman on the brink of marital collapse. Her co‑star is Seth Rogen, playing Joe, Angela’s husband. The film also features Penelope Cruz as Piña and Edward Norton as Hawk, the couple’s flamboyant upstairs neighbors.

Their dinner party quickly turns into a series of awkward proposals and unexpected twists that keep viewers on the edge of their seats.

The movie premiered at Sundance Film Festival in January 2026, where it received a four‑star review from critic Johnny Oleksinski. He described the film as “sophisticated, snappy, seductive and stupendously funny.” Oleksinski praised the dialogue and the performances, particularly noting Rogen’s comedic timing and Wilde’s direction.

Beyond its festival buzz, *The Invite* carries a legacy of cultural exchange. By translating a Spanish narrative into an English‑language format without losing its core absurdity, Wilde has helped showcase the universality of relational anxieties—a theme that resonates in both European arthouse circles and mainstream American cinema.

## What People Are Saying

Audience reactions to the film have been largely positive. Viewers who accessed the movie on Prime Video report a mix of laughs and genuine suspense as the dinner escalates. Comments on social media highlight the sharp wit of the script and the chemistry between Wilde, Rogen, Cruz, and Norton.

Critics have noted that *The Invite* balances humor with a subtle commentary on modern relationships.

The film’s dialogue is often described as a “bullet train of mean slights, awkward miscommunications, deception and ‘oh no!’ bombshells.” The editing has been singled out for maintaining comedic timing while ensuring the story’s pacing remains tight.

A noteworthy fan reaction came from a group of indie filmmakers who praised Wilde’s dual role as director‑actor. They highlighted how her experience on *The Last Duel* and *Booksmart* informs her nuanced portrayal of a woman juggling personal crisis and public persona.

The film’s release on streaming platforms has broadened its reach beyond festival attendees, allowing the conversation around contemporary relationship dynamics to spread into living rooms across the country.

Industry observers see *The Invite* as part of a growing trend where high‑profile actors take the helm of projects that originated from international cinema.

By choosing a Spanish source material, Wilde signals an awareness of diverse storytelling traditions that can be adapted for global audiences—a move that could inspire other Hollywood artists to look beyond English‑speaking markets for fresh narratives.

## What Happens Next

*The Invite* is available for digital purchase on Prime Video for $24.99 or can be rented for $19.99. A free Amazon account is sufficient to buy or rent; an Amazon Prime membership is not required. Renters receive 30 days to start watching the film and, once play is pressed, 48 hours of viewing time.

Following its availability on Prime Video, the film’s creators are looking toward potential international streaming deals. There have been no announced plans for a theatrical re‑release, indicating the team prefers to keep the film in the digital space.

Wilde has not yet commented on future projects, but her success with *The Invite* may influence upcoming opportunities in both directing and acting. Fans can expect more content from Wilde as she continues to expand her creative portfolio.

The film’s journey from a Spanish original to an English‑language comedy‑drama showcases the adaptability of contemporary storytelling.

As *The Invite* settles into the Prime Video library, it invites viewers to explore its sharp humor and relatable themes, while reminding us that the funniest moments in life often happen when we least expect them—and that sometimes, an invitation is all it takes to change everything.