A24 Acquires Distribution Rights for Olivia Wilde’s Sex Comedy ‘The Invite’
Olivia Wilde’s new relationship comedy, The Invite, has been acquired by A24 after a competitive bidding process at the Sundance Film Festival. This significant deal marks one of the largest sales of the festival, highlighting the increasing interest in original, creative films.
A24’s Winning Bid
The bidding for The Invite involved several distributors, including Neon, Focus, and Netflix. Warner Bros.’s new independent label made a late attempt to secure the film but ultimately, A24 won with an eight-figure agreement.
Film Details and Cast
The Invite is a remake of the Spanish film Sentimental. The storyline follows a couple played by Olivia Wilde and Seth Rogen, facing relationship troubles. They host a dinner party with their charismatic neighbors portrayed by Ed Norton and Penelope Cruz, who represent a contrast in relationship dynamics.
Key Cast Members
- Olivia Wilde
- Seth Rogen
- Ed Norton
- Penelope Cruz
Critical Reception
The movie premiered to a standing ovation at Sundance, with critics praising Wilde’s direction. This film represents her third directorial effort, following Booksmart in 2019 and Don’t Worry Darling in 2022. The Hollywood Reporter lauded it for its sophisticated storytelling, noting its criticism of modern marriage while offering a glimpse of hope.
Production Insights
Wilde opted to create The Invite outside of traditional studio constraints, allowing for greater artistic freedom. Filming took place in Los Angeles, with a focus on a collaborative environment during the production process. Wilde expressed her vision for the film as a collective creative endeavor, emphasizing the joy of working closely with a talented team.
Production Team
- Produced by Annapurna
- UTA Independent Film Group and FilmNation handled the sale
- CAA represents Olivia Wilde and Penelope Cruz
- UTA represents Seth Rogen, Ed Norton, Will McCormack, and Rashida Jones
The partnership between Wilde and producer Megan Ellison continues to thrive, promising an intriguing addition to contemporary cinema with The Invite.
