2015, Movies

The Invitation (2015, Karyn Kusama)

I am usually a man who can watch and appreciate a movie despite my mood at the time. But every so often a movie doesn’t meet my mood. And so I find myself reviewing this film without, perhaps, giving it its due, because I should have been watching something more frivolous.

SPOILERS

We started watching this with purpose. However, getting frustrated by the lack of likable characters – the only likable character is the least developed character, never a good sign – and pacing – something that normally doesn’t frustrate me – we started working on my puzzle again. Once that happened, I think it’s safe to say that I wasn’t fully paying attention, and I did not do the movie right by being off in a corner doing a puzzle.

However, even with my attention diverted, I noticed two issues that would have bothered me anyway:

  1. The main characters don’t leave the party because, if they did, the movie would be over. They both talk about leaving at different times, but the other always makes them stay. It doesn’t make any sense. (Also, they talk about how the doors are all locked and yet someone always seems to be outside.)
  2. I understand why the mental state of the main character is confused, but the combination of flashbacks and him not fully being present grates after a while.

However, I think, had I paid attention, the climax would have paid off better. And the final reveal is well done, even if it’s rather impossible.

6/10

  • Directed by Karyn Kusama
  • Produced by Phil Hay, Matt Manfredi, Martha Griffin, Nick Spicer
  • Written by Phil Hay, Matt Manfredi
  • Starring:
    • Logan Marshall-Green as Will
    • Tammy Blanchard as Eden
    • Michiel Huisman as David
    • Emayatzy Corinealdi as Kira
    • Lindsay Burdge as Sadie
    • Jay Larson as Ben
    • Michelle Krusiec as Gina
    • Jordi Vilasuso as Miguel
    • Mike Doyle as Tommy
    • John Carroll Lynch as Pruitt
    • Karl Yune as Choi
    • Toby Huss as Dr. Joseph
    • Marieh Delfino as Claire
  • Music by Theodore Shapiro
  • Cinematography by Bobby Shore
  • Edited by Plummy Tucker
  • Production companies: Gamechanger Films, Lege Artis, XYZ Films
  • Distributed by Drafthouse Films
  • Release date: March 13, 2015
  • Running time: 100 minutes
  • Country: United States
  • Language: English
  • Budget: $1 million
  • Box office: $354,835

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