A man is invited by his ex-wife to a reunion that forces him to confront a tragic past, and it only takes a turn for the worse.
Independent, unique, and intense! Writers/producers Phil Hay and Matt Manfredi, and director Karyn Kusama, intrigue in the opening sequence and bring intentional awkwardness to the very first moment Will (Logan Marshall-Green) and Kira (Emayatzi Corinealdi) enter the house, as introductions begin and pleasantries get out of the way. And even then, it keeps on going… and going… and going… until it gets worse! Worse than both the audience and guests could ever think of.
The character and story develop slowly, getting to know everyone and their pasts, while not being able to shake the feeling that this reunion is a bomb waiting to explode at any moment, and that Will is going to lose the plot over what he sees and hears. The cast is also brilliant: Logan Marshall-Green, Emayatzy Corinealdi, Michiel Huisman, Tammy Blanchard, Michelle Krusiec, Mike Doyle, Jordi Vilasuso, Jay Larson, Marieh Delfino, and John Carroll Lynch play their parts the way they should do, without Hollywood mannerisms or hyperbole.
If you have not watched it, the best way is to go in cold — don’t read anything about it and don’t ask anyone’s opinion. The Invitation is one of the best psychological thrillers of the last decade. It’s been ten years, and no matter how many times I watch it, I can’t stop thinking that it is ageing like a fine wine. The drama, the thriller, the suspense, that endless awkwardness that keeps you short of breath… it all comes together so beautifully and tragically.
When the end credits start scrolling, think about the video played to the guests, how it relates to the last scene, and… the chances of this scenario actually happening in the real world.
Happy Halloween!!!
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