Less than four months after it was initially released in theaters, The Invite has become one of the most successful films of the year. Not only was it an unexpected box office giant, but Seth Rogen‘s erotic comedy has now also become a streaming hit.
The film stars Rogen alongside Olivia Wilde (who also serves as writer and director), with supporting performances from Edward Norton and Penelope Cruz. The actors play an unsettled couple whose lives are upended by the arrival of their new neighbors, who open their eyes to a more liberal, independent lifestyle.
After the mixed reception of Wilde’s previous film, Don’t Worry Darling, experts weren’t exactly sure how audiences would respond to The Invite. However, Wilde’s latest film ended up being one of the most profitable original movies of the summer, pulling in $61 million worldwide against a reported production budget of just $15 million.
The Invite made its streaming debut on HBO Max on October 23, less than four months after it made its theatrical debut. The film, once again, was a runaway success. The Invite has continued to sit atop HBO Max’s U.S. movies chart since its arrival, beating further box office success stories Backrooms and The Housemaid.
Beyond the commercial success, The Invite has also been a massive hit with critics. Where Don’t Worry Darling opened to mixed reviews and polarized audiences, The Invite has been the complete opposite. The film currently holds a Rotten Tomatoes score of 96%, with a critical consensus that reads: “Perversely funny while giving its quartet of fine actors some of their best material yet, The Invite is a sophisticated farce that reaffirms Olivia Wilde as one of the most exciting filmmakers working today.”
Last week, The Invite was even ranked No. 1 on TimeOut‘s list of the best comedy movies of the year. It was listed even higher than critical darlings like Nirvanna The Band The Show The Movie, and The History of Concrete, proving just how effectively Wilde and Rogen’s latest outing has managed to bridge the gap between critical consensus and audience adoration.
