Synopsis
While attending a dinner party at his former home, a man thinks his ex-wife and her new husband have sinister intentions for their guests.
Review
Creepy from the outset, The Invitation asks you what you would do in a situation that was wrong from the beginning.
Will and Kira arrive at Will's past home, and home of his ex for a party. A get together after the breakdown of their relationship following the death of their son - the whole gang is present. And it's as uncomfortable as it sounds.
Will's ex, Eden, and her new partner David tell the assembled cast about a group that they belong to call "The Invitation". They have a house guest, Sadie, and a new friend Pruitt, both of whom enjoy the evening with the group of friends. They tell everyone how calming and great The Invitation is. It appears that they are going to ask everyone to join. I hope you're not thinking the word "cult" at this point. Sadie acts as if she is extremely promiscuous. Pruitt is a heavy. And Will starts to panic about the well being of him and his friends.
But is it all in his mind?
The Invitation flew under the radar of a lot of viewers on release, and gained more notoriety after its appearance on Netflix in 2017. Even though it post dates it considerably, many have held it up as a nod to Get Out. While there are some stylistic similarities, and resembling themes, the two films are very different. But both very good.
Not only is The Invitation a wild ride of a thriller, the tension that Director Karyn Kusama (XX) creates is astonishing. It's a slow film. But so taut that the pace punishes you into submission. You cannot take your eyes from the screen.
Captivating the audience are leads, Logan Marshall-Green (Prometheus) as the tortured Will, and partner Kira, played by Emayatzy Corinealdi (Addicted). Their on screen chemistry is spot on and they portray a young couple believably. Tammy Blanchard (Into The Woods) plays the conniving Eden, and John Carroll Lynch (The Founder) terrifies as Pruitt. The supporting cast are also all truly spot on.
But as with any movie like this, the sell is in the writing. Phil Hay (Æon Flux) and Matt Manfredi (Clash of the Titans) have worked in partnership many times, and their smooth dialogue and deft exposition show what a great team they are. The writing is on point. The clues are smartly dealt.
It's one hell of a film, and must be seen by both aficionados of film and those that love horror and dark thrillers. It grips to the end, which is darkly satisfying, and will have you on the edge of your seat.
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