A24’s ‘The Invite’ Becomes One of the Studio’s Best-Reviewed Films of the Year With Strong Rotten Tomatoes Score

A24’s new comedy The Invite is getting a lot of attention from critics, and the early reactions are putting it among the studio’s most highly reviewed films of 2026. The movie, directed by Olivia Wilde, has earned a strong Rotten Tomatoes score after receiving praise for its sharp humor, uncomfortable situations, and impressive cast.

According to Rotten Tomatoes, The Invite currently holds a 96% critics score based on nearly 200 reviews. The audience response has also been positive, with the film earning a 92% audience score from verified viewers.

The movie is a remake of the 2020 Spanish film The People Upstairs and follows two couples whose friendly dinner quickly turns into something much more chaotic. The story explores relationships, honesty, and the awkward conversations people often avoid when trying to keep their lives looking perfect.

The Invite features a major cast led by Seth Rogen, Olivia Wilde, Penélope Cruz, and Edward Norton. The film marks another directorial effort from Wilde, who previously made Booksmart and Don’t Worry Darling. The screenplay was written by Will McCormack and Rashida Jones.

Critics have highlighted the chemistry between the actors as one of the movie’s biggest strengths. Tom Meek from Cambridge Day gave the film a positive review, saying it has “an energy and seamlessness that feel innate and natural.” He also praised the cast and the film’s willingness to explore uncomfortable topics.

Shawn Edwards of Fox 4 Kansas City also enjoyed the movie, calling it “delightfully adult and diabolically wicked.” The review praised the film’s humor and its more mature approach to relationships.

One of the performances receiving the most attention is Seth Rogen’s role. Shalini Langer from The Indian Express noted that while the entire cast delivers strong performances, Rogen stands out as the highlight of the movie. She described him as the film’s “stand-out performance” and praised his ability to bring his usual comedic style into a more complicated role.

Not every critic was completely convinced, though. Scroll.in described the film as “brutally funny and painfully honest at times,” while also suggesting that it may not have the same lasting impact as other relationship-based films.

Despite some mixed opinions, the overall reaction has been very positive. The Invite premiered at the 2026 Sundance Film Festival before receiving a limited release in June. It expanded into theaters on July 10 through A24 and has already become one of the studio’s strongest-reviewed releases of the year.

The film’s success continues A24’s reputation for backing unique movies that combine comedy, drama, and unusual storytelling. With its talented cast and strong critical response, The Invite is quickly becoming one of the unexpected hits of the summer movie season.

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