For this week’s main podcast review, Katie Johnson, Josh Parham, and Dan Bayer join me to review and discuss the newest film from Olivia Wilde, “The Invite,” starring Wilde, Seth Rogen, Penélope Cruz, and Edward Norton. The independent film premiered at the Eccles Theater as part of the 2026 Sundance Film Festival, where it received positive reviews from critics for Wilde’s direction, the screenplay by Rashida Jones and Will McCormack, and the performances of the four actors, and was later picked up by A24. A chamber-piece comedy-drama driven by its characters and the relationships at its center, it is a layered film with plenty to talk about. So please tune in as we discuss the humor, the story’s themes, the dynamic direction from Wilde, who we think is the MVP of the outstanding cast, its awards season chances, and more in our SPOILER-FILLED review. Thank you for listening, and enjoy!
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You can follow Matt, Katie, Josh & Dan and hear more of their thoughts on the Oscars and Film on X at @NextBestPicture, @Katiereads1878, @JRParham & @dancindanonfilm
