After ‘Backrooms,’ A24 Scores Another Hit With Olivia Wilde and Seth Rogen
After the huge success of Backrooms, A24 is already back in the spotlight with another film that is getting strong attention from critics and audiences.
The new movie is called The Invite, and it is directed by Olivia Wilde; it is a comedy film, directed by Olivia Wilde and written by Will McCormack and Rashida Jones. The movie is actually an English-language remake of the Spanish film The People Upstairs, originally directed by Cesc Gay. It brings together a well-known cast that includes Seth Rogen, Olivia Wilde, Penélope Cruz, and Edward Norton.
The story focuses on a group of characters whose lives become complicated during a social gathering. The film builds its humor around awkward conversations, tension between couples, and unexpected emotional moments. According to early festival coverage, the movie mixes comedy with relationship drama in a very direct and simple way.
The Invite first premiered at the Eccles Theater during the 2026 Sundance Film Festival on January 24. The film received positive reactions from audiences and critics. After its premiere, it was picked up for distribution by A24, which also recently found major box office success with Backrooms.
A24 has scheduled The Invite for a limited theatrical release in the United States on June 26. The company is positioning the film as a smaller, character-driven release compared to its bigger genre titles. Still, early reactions suggest it could reach a wide audience once it arrives in theaters.
Critics have been mostly positive about the film so far. On Rotten Tomatoes, the movie holds a 92% approval rating based on 36 reviews. That early score places it among the better-reviewed comedies of the year.
Doug Jamieson of The Jam Report gave a strong review, writing, “Sharp, sexy, hilarious and unexpectedly moving, it’s further proof that sometimes all you need is four great actors, one incredible script, and a director with the confidence to just let them cook.”
Philip De Semlyen of Time Out also praised the film, saying, “Wilde’s latest slots into a rich lineage of hilariously awkward sex comedies. With a stellar cast finding alchemy in their contrasting styles, it’s daringly close to the bone and frequently fall-off-your-chair funny.”
Other critics also pointed out the strong performances from the cast. Robert Kojder of Flickering Myth called it a fun experience and highlighted the cast’s chemistry. Nick Johnston of Vanyaland described it as a comedy that works without needing deeper meaning, while Rene Sanchez of Cine Sin Fronteras called it a “funny and unforgettable soirée” that captures the highs and lows of relationships. Rachel Wagner of Rachel’s Reviews said it was entertaining, even if it is not a major comedic masterpiece.
The cast has been one of the main talking points for the film. Seth Rogen plays Joe, Olivia Wilde plays Angela, Penélope Cruz plays Pína, and Edward Norton plays Hawk. Critics have repeatedly noted that the combination of these four actors is a major strength of the movie.
With strong festival buzz and positive early reviews, The Invite is shaping up to be another important release for A24. Coming after the massive success of Backrooms, it adds to what is becoming a strong run for the studio in 2026.
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