EVERYTHING
According to Variety, Olivia Wilde adopted an unconventional and rigorous production methodology to create her third feature film, The Invite. The project was shot on film over a compressed 21-day schedule, following a scene-by-scene story order that many directors typically avoid during the pre-production phase. To maintain the integrity of the claustrophobic chamber comedy, Wilde also required her cast to rehearse for six weeks without pay before filming began in a single San Francisco apartment.
A strategic rejection of streaming platforms
Despite significant interest from various distributors, Wilde remained firm on the film's distribution model. She noted that while many entities were eager to move the project to a streaming service, she insisted on a theatrical debut. This decision reflects her broader observation of the shifting landscape in Hollywood and the resilience of independent cinema.
Wilde highlighted several key factors regarding the current state of the industry:
- The rise of Gen Z audiences who are actively rejecting the idea that young viewers only watch content at home.
- A growing trend where independent films find success by targeting specific, dedicated audiences.
- The belief that theatrical releases provide a necessary platform for high-concept authorship.
"Every distributor wanted to take this movie to theaters, and I was adamant that we didn’t go to a streamer," Wilde told Variety, noting that the demand from non-streamers served as a positive indicator for the film's viability.
Learning from past critical reception
The director's current approach is heavily influenced by her previous career trajectory. After receiving near-unanimous acclaim for Booksmart, she faced significant public and critical backlash for her 2022 drama Don’t Worry Darling. Wilde views this experience as a necessary catalyst for her creative liberation.
She expressed that experiencing "early failure" allowed her to shed self-consciousness and embrace the inherent risks of filmmaking. This philosophy guided the production of The Invite, where she prioritized process over immediate outcomes. The film features a high-profile cast including Seth Rogen, Edward Norton, and Penelope Cruz, all working within a set designed to function as a "fifth character" through intricate sightlines and specific color palettes.
By choosing to fight for a theatrical window, Wilde aims to prove that independent cinema can still thrive outside the dominance of streaming giants. The film currently plays in select theaters under A24 distribution.