The Invite is quickly becoming one of critics and audiences’ favorite films of the year. Olivia Wilde‘s remake of the Spanish-language The People Upstairs has tapped into a kind of awkward, painful vein of comedy that’s been sorely missed. The film walks a fine line between its character-driven humor and marital drama, and the four actors are all exemplary. As with any film that captures widespread attention and inspires such praise, The Invite has left many viewers wanting more.
There are many films that fit a similar bill to what The Invite provides, particularly those which Wilde has listed as major influences when making it. Beyond those, there are also films by the same creatives that also offer something different but equally enjoyable. If you’re a fan of The Invite or its cast, then these are the must-watch movies for you.
‘Who’s Afraid of Virginia Woolf?’ (1966)
Image via Warner Bros.
There are many films featuring dysfunctional marriages, several of which Wilde has specifically singled out as inspirations on The Invite, such as Scenes from a Marriage or Husbands and Wives. The greatest of all of these, and the clearest influence, is the Mike Nichols classic Who’s Afraid of Virginia Woolf? Based on a play, as was The People Upstairs, the film transcends its theater origins thanks to Nichols’ direction and the incredible quartet of performances. It’s a far more dramatic piece, but just as equally enthralling.
George (Richard Burton) and Martha (Elizabeth Taylor) are a married couple who like to play games, push buttons and blur the lines between fantasy and reality. That makes for an awkward evening of personal revelations and confrontations when they host younger couple Nick (George Segal) and Honey (Sandy Dennis). Just like The Invite, the tension is all in the performances and the action is all in the emotions of the best-directed and acted marital drama of all time. Both Nichols and his entire cast were nominated for Academy Awards, with both Taylor and Dennis walking away with Oscar gold.
‘Bob & Carol & Ted & Alice’ (1969)
Image via Columbia Pictures
Another film that was an obvious influence on The Invite, Bob & Carol & Ted & Alice was a seminal film in depicting polyamory. It may not seem as groundbreaking now more than fifty years later, but it’s still a fun, funny time capsule of both the free love era of the ’60s and Hollywood’s own sexual revolution. Directed by the underrated filmmaker Paul Mazursky, it’s another well-acted, Oscar-nominated story of marriage and sex.
Bob (Robert Culp) and Carol (Natalie Wood) are a couple who have discovered sexual liberation at a retreat. Their friends Ted (Elliot Gould) and Alice (Dyan Cannon) are more conservative and don’t know what to make of their newfound freewheeling ways. The whole film culminates with a proposed foursome that gets further than it does in The Invite. Bob & Carol & Ted & Alice may not be considered as subversive as it once was, but the performances and comedy haven’t aged a day.
‘Take This Waltz’ (2011)
If you’re in the mood for another comedic drama about crumbling relationships co-starringSeth Rogen, then look no further thanSarah Polley‘sTake This Waltz. The actress turned director has proven to be an insightful chronicler of highly sensitive content in films like<em>Away From Her </em>andWomen Talking. The more comedicTake This Waltz doesn’t involve as high-stakes drama as those other films, but is stilla keenly observed film about relationships and the loss of passion.
Margot (Michelle Williams) is married to Lou (Rogen). They love each other, but the spark in their marriage has long since faded. When Margot feels that spark with artist Daniel (Luke Kirby), it threatens to tear her apart emotionally. Take This Waltz isn’t necessarily a revelatory film, but it succeeds thanks to the light touch that Polley maintains in exploring the subtleties of relationships and infatuation, and the solid performances of its cast.
‘Celeste and Jesse Forever’ (2012)
The sharp screenplay forThe Invitewas written byRashida Jonesand Will McCormackwhich should come as no surprise to anyone who saw their earlier film about a marriage coming to an end,Celesteand Jesse ForeverIt’s a charming romantic comedyand a hidden gem of the genre that works because of the self-aware scriptand the insanely likable cast.It’s an honestand refreshing depiction ofa disintegrating marriagethat actually makes you want to believe in love.
Celeste (Jones)and Jesse (Andy Samberg) are high school sweethearts whose marriage has come to an end.They decide to remain friends,against the advice of others,but their emotions eventually get the better of both of them asthey struggle with their separation separately before trying to move on.Celesteand Jesse Foreverisn’t quite as caustic as other divorce movies,and that’s part of what makes it emotionally effective.Not every failed marriage should be considered a failure,and it’s simply nice to see that represented on screen.
Which OscarBest Picture
Is Your Perfect Movie?
Parasite · Everything Everywhere · Oppenheimer · Birdman · No Country
Five Oscar Best Picture winners. Five completely different visions of what cinema can be — and what it can do to you. One of them is the film that was made for the way your mind works. Ten questions will figure out which one.
Parasite
Everything Everywhere
Oppenheimer
Birdman
No Country for Old Men
01
What kindof film experience do you actually want?
The best movies don’t just entertain — they leave something behind.
<h2 id='39-the-drama-'39-'the-drama' (2026)
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