Penelope Cruz

The Invite (2026): Olivia Wilde Swings for the Fences On and Off Camera in This Intimate, Fun Dramedy

Posted on by Jack Drees

“The Invite” is directed by Olivia Wilde (Booksmart, Don’t Worry Darling) who also stars in the film as Angela. Joining her is Seth Rogen (Sausage Party, The Super Mario Bros. Movie), Penélope Cruz (Pirates of the Caribbean: On Stranger Tides, Ferrari), and Edward Norton (The Incredible Hulk, American History X). This film is about a couple in a declining marriage who decide to invite their neighbors over for dinner, only for the night to go in an unexpected direction.

Olivia Wilde is one of those Hollywood insiders I respect, but I sometimes forget just how much of a footprint she has in the industry. When I found out about her directorial debut, “Booksmart,” in 2019, I was excited to see what skills she could bring behind the camera. And while I thought the film was not my favorite of the year, I found some parts quite funny, and the two leads were excellent.

Then came “Don’t Worry Darling…” It is a film that has quite a bit going for it in the first couple of acts, but topples like a house of cards by its conclusion. It was a frustrating film to watch, despite a sometimes great performance from Florence Pugh. It was not the worst film of 2022, but it nearly turned me off of seeing “The Invite,” a film that I wound up watching after hearing positive word of mouth.

I am proud to say that not only did I enjoy “The Invite,” but it is Olivia Wilde’s best directorial effort yet. It is a film that showcases a married couple’s drama as both sides do their best to play things cool in front of their neighbors. This is also perhaps Wilde’s most grounded film yet, even if it does involve a series of extreme scenarios faced by several characters.

While Olivia Wilde seems to be growing as a director, she has spent most of her career as an actress, and therefore it is no surprise that the performances in “The Invite” are perhaps the highlight of the film. Some highlights are shown through the sometimes funny, other times riveting relationship between Joe and Angela. Seth Rogen plays the former while the latter is played by Wilde herself. The cast in this film is quite small. The movie revolves around four characters and for the most part, is set in one location. The other two characters, Piña and Hawk, are played by Penélope Cruz and Edward Norton. What the film lacks in quantity it most certainly has in quality, which is by no means a bad thing.

The story is quite digestible, moves at a steady pace, and it is easy to buy each of the characters as individuals and as members of their particular relationships. Each actor plays off each other incredibly well and it also helps that they have such remarkable material to work with.

The more I reflect on the film, I do not necessarily think the story has one character that is a true protagonist or antagonist. The film feels more like an exciting game of two equally balanced teams or players. Each one has their strengths and weaknesses, and the movie finds a way to make you root for or appreciate each character in the cast.

Despite being a drama and mostly about a couple’s failing marriage, the film is surprisingly funny. I should not be that surprised considering how Rogen has a knack for comedy on camera, and Wilde has experience with directing good comedy through “Booksmart,” but comedy is all about timing, and it could not be better when it comes to how everything is executed in “The Invite.”

Speaking of timing, this is a film that truly takes its time. There is not a single scene that feels rushed, even if the characters find themselves in a fast-paced situation. “The Invite” does a phenomenal job at hinting at each character’s motivation and taking advantage of those motivations in future scenes. Plot-wise, this film starts as one thing and almost becomes something else entirely. I would not call “The Invite” the twistiest film of all time. In fact, I had a slight idea as to where things would go given how I have heard other viewers talk about the film’s vibe before I had a chance to check it out. But the film starts off as a conversational dramedy and morphs into something more complex and nearly bonkers. And while, again, this is not the twistiest movie I have ever seen, this film marks an improvement from Olivia Wilde’s last movie, “Don’t Worry Darling.” That film, much like this most recent one, was not written by Wilde. But when it comes to the films Wilde helmed, “Don’t Worry Darling” had a gargantuan twist, but bigger does not always mean better. If anything, it made that movie fall off a cliff. While “The Invite” definitely heightens its reality in the second half, it stays fairly consistent with the film’s grounded nature, and it is all thanks to a particular reveal that I will let you see for yourself.

Although it should be noted, while Will McCormick and Rashida Jones did in fact craft one of the best screenplays of the year, it is not an original idea, as this film is inspired by a 2020 Spanish picture called “The People Upstairs.” I have not seen that movie, nor have I heard of it prior to watching “The Invite,” but if anything, this film serves as the greatest piece of marketing “The People Upstairs” could ask for. “The Invite” serves as a piece of marketing to its predecessor in the same way that “The Departed,” a 2006 Hollywood film, was arguably the greatest piece of marketing for the 2002 Hong Kong film “Infernal Affairs.” “The Departed” was not only nominated for multiple Academy Awards, it won Best Picture. “Infernal Affairs” had less relevance in the United States, much like “The People Upstairs,” so it is no surprise that the Academy did not recognize either film. But I have a strong feeling that “The Invite” will be recognized for sure. Based on its top notch direction by Olivia Wilde, brilliant writing by McCormick and Jones, smart editing choices by Yorgos Mavropsaridis and Anthony Boys, and excellent performances by the four actors who command the screen in each scene, “The Invite” is one of the year’s finest movies.

In the end, “The Invite” is Olivia Wilde’s best work so far as a director. There is a saying that you are only as good as your last project, and that made me somewhat hesitant to check out this movie as I was not exactly fond of Wilde’s previous outing, “Don’t Worry Darling.” But not only is her latest film a vast improvement as far as I am concerned, but it makes me look forward to what she has up her sleeve next. This film is proof that big things come in small packages. The cast may be tiny, but the story packs a punch. Do not miss this one. I am going to give “The Invite” an 8/10.

“The Invite” is now playing in theaters and it is also available to rent or buy on VOD.

Thanks for reading this review! I am happy to announce that the next episode of Movie Requests officially drops Monday September 7th and it is going to feature Melissa Barrera! You may know her from movies like “Abigail” and “Your Monster,” as well as shows like “The Copenhagen Test” and “Keep Breathing.” You can also catch her on Broadway in the musical comedy “Titanique,” which I have seen twice and find to be an utter riot. Check out the episode when it drops Monday September 7th here on Flicknerd.com and YouTube! If you want to see the episode as soon as possible, please subscribe to my YouTube channel!

Also, be sure to check out my most recent episode of “Movie Requests,” featuring Amy Sedaris! In this episode, I talk about two of her favorite films, “The Elephant Man” and “Babe!” What did I think of them? Watch the video to find out.

My next review is going to be for “Cookie Queens!” Stay tuned! Also coming soon, I will be sharing my thoughts on “Tony,” “Spa Weekend,” “Coyote vs. Acme,” and “Idiots.” If you want to see these reviews and more from Scene Before, follow the blog either with an email or WordPress account! Also, check out the official Facebook page! I want to know, did you see “The Invite?” What did you think about it? Or, what is a movie featuring a small cast that you enjoyed recently? Let me know down below! Scene Before is your click to the flicks!

Ferrari (2023): Adam Driver Shines in a Flick That Cannot Quite Get Into Gear

Posted on by Jack Drees

“Ferrari” is directed by Michael Mann (The Last of the Mohicans, Heat) and stars Adam Driver (Star Wars: The Force Awakens, Marriage Story), Penélope Cruz (Pirates of the Caribbean: On Stranger Tides, Nine), Shailene Woodley (Divergent, Dumb Money), Sarah Gadon (Enemy, Dracula Untold), Gabriel Leone (Dom, Hidden Truths), Jack O’Connell (Skins, Godless), and Patrick Dempsey (Enchanted, Grey’s Anatomy). This film is a biopic about Enzo Ferrari’s mission to keep his auto company from failing as he puts it in a treacherous territory. A thousand mile race in Italy.

Sport movies have not always been my forte. Then again, sports in general have not always been my forte. But if you guys have been following me for a bit then you’d know that one of my favorite sport films I reviewed on this blog, not to mention one of my favorite sport films that come to mind, is James Mangold’s “Ford v Ferrari.” That film is an adrenaline-fueled race to the finish if there ever was one. And that is cemented by great performances, stunning soundwork, and a narrative that had me on the edge of my seat. It was easily one of the best films of that year and it ended up scoring a couple Jack Awards as well.

But with another awards season on the rise, it is time to recognize one of its fiercest contenders, “Ferrari.” I had little interest in “Ferrari” until I saw the trailer. This looked like a hard-hitting story that would fire on all cylinders and deliver on drama and tension. Adam Driver looked like he was going to dominate the lead role and I was there. That said, I did not know when I would end up seeing it because it comes out in December and there are so many things to which in the span of that time. Plus I have to get my best and worst movies of the year lists out the following month, I am doing work on the next Jack Awards, and it is heavily triggering my average at best multitasking skills. But I had the privilege of checking out a free early screening in Dolby in Boston recently, so I got to see the film long before it hits theaters.

Now, there is a certain thrill that comes with getting to see a movie this early. And the fact that the studio is letting people watch it this long before the release date says a lot about their faith in the project. Having seen “Ferrari,” I am sure it will hit a lot of people the right way. But it doesn’t mean that was the case for yours truly.

“Ferrari” is by no means an awful movie, but if we were to make a comparison, I would easily recommend “Ford v Ferrari” over this new Michael Mann effort. That said, I do not think Michael Mann would be completely insulted with this sentiment. After all, in addition to his efforts here, he is an executive producer on “Ford v Ferrari.” He gets to brag about having both movies on his resume.

My biggest problem with “Ferrari” is the characters. I did not outright hate anyone on this film’s roster, but much of the film involves a series of racers participating in the 1957 Mille Miglia. Ultimately, we end up spending a good amount of time with them, so it disappoints me to say that I failed to find myself attached to any one of them. I know this movie is not called “The Drivers of the Mille Miglia” but when the movie features them as prominently as it does, I hope to find myself endlessly attached to at least one driver. Much of the film is about Enzo Ferrari, and some of it lends itself to fascinating storytelling, whereas other moments tend to fall by the wayside.

That said, even with the character flaws in mind, I will not deny that the film puts the pedal to the metal and brings forth some of the best acting I have seen in a movie this year. Of course the film has recognizable stars like Shailene Woodley, Penelope Cruz, and Patrick Dempsey, all of whom are really good. But the film, to my lack of surprise, is as good as it is because Adam Driver gives it his all in the lead role. I could honestly see him getting an Oscar nomination this year for his efforts. Of Driver’s resume, this performance is one of his more chameleon-esque efforts. And a lot of it not only has to do with his mannerisms, his voice, his presence, part of it has to do with the attention to detail given to him on his costuming and makeup. Much like some of my other favorite actors, Driver has always oozed charisma on screen, even when he is in an inferior “Star Wars” movie. But of Driver’s roles, this is one of the first I remember seeing where he does not completely look like himself. I’ve seen him in a number of films. “Lincoln,” “The Man Who Killed Don Quixote,” “Marriage Story,” “The Last Duel.” He has often maintained a certain look to him that I tend to notice from one role to the next. Even in his better performances, I am reminded of how much I enjoy Driver’s presence once I see his recognizable face. In this film, I don’t necessarily see Driver. I see someone else.

When it comes to the film, Adam Driver is quite literally the driving force in more ways than one. He is really good in the lead role and he is surrounded by competent performances all around. But the story itself failed to garner any ongoing emotion and interest from me. There was a center of the movie per se, but not so much a core. Despite those words being similar, I think there is a difference here. The movie centers around Enzo Ferrari, but it does not give me a core reason to admire anyone on screen. Or at least not one that remained on my mind long after leaving my screening.

Much like “Ford v Ferrari,” the sound in “Ferrari” is quite good. Not as good if you ask me, but it appears to take a different approach. The way I interpreted the sound between its editing and mixing in “Ford v Ferrari” is something equivalent to a fantasy. The movie is based on true events, but when I heard that sound, it almost came off like a hyperactive reality. The sound, not to mention atmosphere, of “Ferrari” feels comparatively grounded. Of course the cars sound audible as anything, but they lack a certain oomph to them that “Ford v Ferrari” gave in its final product. That is not to say they sound bad, it is just different.

In the end, “Ferrari” is two different movies wrapped into one. But neither of them exactly surpass the distinction of average. If anything, “Ferrari” is a painfully average, not to mention disappointing time. Because while I did not do a deep dive into the film’s marketing campaign before going to see it, I can you tell you the trailers are on another level. The trailers are honestly much better than the movie. It’s kind of sad, really. Much “Killers of the Flower Moon,” I will not doubt “Ferrari” will get some attention this awards season. But much like “Killers of the Flower Moon,” “Ferrari” might not be my cup of tea. There are plenty of good things in it, but I honestly find the movie quite forgettable and ultimately lacking in any reason for me to watch it a second time. Maybe I could give it a second chance eventually because some positives stand out, but for now, I am going to give “Ferrari” a high 5/10.

“Ferrari” arrives in theaters everywhere December 25th. Tickets are available now.

Thanks for reading this review! I have plenty more reviews coming in the near future as the year comes to an end! I will be sharing my thoughts on “The Boy and the Heron,” “Dream Scenario,” “Maestro,” “Wonka,” “Migration,” and “Aquaman and the Lost Kingdom.” Stay tuned! If you want to see these reviews and more from Scene Before, follow the blog either with an email or WordPress account! Also, check out the official Facebook page! I want to know, did you see “Ferrari?” What did you think about it? Or, what is your favorite movie with Adam Driver in it? Let me know down below! Scene Before is your click to the flicks!