Olivia Wilde’s Comedy ‘The Invite’ Sparks Bidding Frenzy at Sundance
Olivia Wilde’s latest project, titled The Invite, has ignited a significant bid war at the Sundance Film Festival. The film, a sex comedy, premiered in Park City, Utah, leading to strong interest from major indie distributors and some studio divisions.
The Bidding Frenzy at Sundance
Frontal contenders in the bidding include A24, Neon, and Focus Features, which is a division of Universal. Netflix is also aggressively pursuing the film, backed by substantial financial resources. Additionally, Searchlight Pictures, a subsidiary of Disney, is reportedly part of the competition for distribution rights.
The buzz intensified after The Invite received a standing ovation during its Saturday night premiere at the Eccles Theatre. Critics gave the film rave reviews, further fueling its appeal in the market.
Details About The Invite
Olivia Wilde partners once again with producer Megan Ellison, who played a key role in the success of Wilde’s 2019 directorial debut, Booksmart. The script, a remake of the Spanish film Sentimental, was crafted by writers Rashida Jones and Will McCormack.
The film features a star-studded cast including:
- Olivia Wilde
- Seth Rogen
- Ed Norton
- Pena Cruz
The narrative follows a couple, portrayed by Wilde and Rogen. Their relationship teeters on the edge of collapse as they host a dinner party with two enigmatic neighbors, played by Norton and Cruz, who reveal their polyamorous lifestyle.
Production Insights
The Invite was shot in Los Angeles over a span of 23 days, with a focus on sequential filming and extensive rehearsal time. This film marks Wilde’s return to directing after her high-profile film, Don’t Worry Darling, released by New Line in 2022.
As interest in The Invite grows, it has become the focal point at Sundance, overshadowing other film sales. The competitive spirit surrounding its potential distribution indicates a promising future for the project and its creative team.
