Olivia Wilde on directing 'The Invite': 'This is exactly the conversation I want to be having'
Synopsis
Olivia Wilde says directing 'The Invite' felt like being 'in a relationship' with the material — a creative obsession she could not walk away from. The A24 relationship drama, starring Seth Rogen, Penélope Cruz, and Edward Norton, hits Indian theatres on 10 July, and marks Wilde's third feature as a filmmaker.
Key Takeaways
Olivia Wilde is directing 'The Invite' , an A24 -produced relationship drama releasing in Indian theatres on 10 July .
The film stars Seth Rogen , Penélope Cruz , and Edward Norton alongside Wilde.
Wilde described her connection to the material as an 'intense obsession', saying the film is 'exactly the conversation I want to be having.' PVRINOX Pictures is bringing the film to India.
This is Wilde's third directorial feature, following Booksmart (2019) and Don't Worry Darling .
Actor-filmmaker Olivia Wilde has opened up about her latest directorial project, 'The Invite', revealing that the film's themes of modern relationships and intimacy struck a deeply personal chord — one she felt compelled to explore through her own lens.
A Director's Obsession
Wilde described her engagement with the source material as almost visceral. After revisiting the original work and reading McCormack and Jones' screenplay multiple times, she said the project became an all-consuming creative pursuit.
'I found myself wrestling with the themes of the original film as though I were in a relationship with it,' Wilde said. 'It became this intense obsession, coming to me at a time when I realised I had so much to say through my own work.'
She added: 'I thought, at this point in my life, this film is exactly the conversation I want to be having — I think that's what it takes for you to direct a film.'
What the Film Is About
'The Invite' is a relationship drama that examines the complexities of intimacy, attraction, and modern partnerships through a layered narrative designed to provoke thought and discussion. The film is produced by A24 and features a high-profile ensemble cast including Olivia Wilde, Seth Rogen, Penélope Cruz, and Edward Norton.
The film is set to release in Indian theatres on 10 July, brought to the country by PVRINOX Pictures.
Wilde's Career as Director and Actor
Wilde first gained widespread recognition as Remy 'Thirteen' Hadley on the long-running medical drama House, and has since appeared in films including Tron: Legacy, Cowboys & Aliens, Her, The Incredible Burt Wonderstone, and The Lazarus Effect. She made her Broadway debut playing Julia in '1984'.
Her directorial career began with the critically acclaimed teen comedy Booksmart in 2019, followed by the psychological thriller Don't Worry Darling. 'The Invite' marks her third feature as director.
Her Most Recent Acting Work
Most recently, Wilde was seen in 'I Want Your Sex', an erotic comedy thriller directed by Gregg Araki and written by Karley Sciortino and Araki. The film features a cast that includes Cooper Hoffman, Mason Gooding, Chase Sui Wonders, Johnny Knoxville, Margaret Cho, Roxane Mesquida, Charli XCX, and Daveed Diggs.
With 'The Invite' arriving in Indian cinemas on 10 July, Wilde appears to be entering a prolific new phase — one in which her voice as a filmmaker is becoming as recognisable as her presence on screen.
Point of View
Not mainstream multiplex fodder. Her trajectory from House actor to awards-circuit director has been uneven, with Don't Worry Darling generating more tabloid heat than critical consensus. 'The Invite' will be the cleaner test of whether her directorial instincts match her artistic ambitions. The India release via PVRINOX also suggests A24 is doubling down on the subcontinent as a market for English-language relationship dramas — a bet worth watching.
NationPress
22 Jun 2026
Frequently Asked Questions
What is 'The Invite' about?
'The Invite' is a relationship drama produced by A24 that explores the complexities of intimacy, attraction, and modern partnerships through a layered narrative. It stars Olivia Wilde, Seth Rogen, Penélope Cruz, and Edward Norton.
When does 'The Invite' release in India?
'The Invite' is set to release in Indian theatres on 10 July, brought to the country by PVRINOX Pictures.
Why did Olivia Wilde choose to direct 'The Invite'?
Wilde has said the film's themes resonated with her at a specific point in her life, describing her engagement with the screenplay as an 'intense obsession.' She said: 'This film is exactly the conversation I want to be having.'
What other films has Olivia Wilde directed?
Wilde made her directorial debut with the teen comedy Booksmart in 2019, followed by the psychological thriller Don't Worry Darling. 'The Invite' is her third feature as director.
Who is in the cast of 'The Invite'?
The film stars Olivia Wilde, Seth Rogen, Penélope Cruz, and Edward Norton. It is produced by A24.
