Olivia Wilde has revealed that the critical backlash to her 2022 psychological thriller Don't Worry Darling ultimately gave her the confidence to make her latest film, The Invite, entirely on her own terms. Speaking to Variety, the filmmaker reflected on how the film's 38% Rotten Tomatoes score transformed her approach as a director.
Early Failure as Liberation
Wilde explained that facing public criticism early in her directing career helped remove her fear of failure and encouraged her to take greater creative risks. "I believe in early failure," Wilde said. "Once you've survived that, there's liberation." This mindset allowed her to approach The Invite with a sense of freedom and experimentation.
Details on The Invite
Released by A24, The Invite is Wilde's third directorial feature. It premiered at the Sundance Film Festival before securing a theatrical release. The chamber comedy follows two couples over the course of a single night inside one San Francisco apartment. Wilde revealed the film was shot in sequence over 21 days, with the cast rehearsing extensively beforehand. She described the production as an experiment inspired by stage plays, with the entire story unfolding in chronological order.
Praise for Seth Rogen
Wilde also praised Seth Rogen's performance, calling it some of the strongest work of his career. She compared his screen presence to legendary actors Albert Brooks and Richard Dreyfuss, adding that he elevates every scene he appears in. "He brings a depth and nuance that surprises audiences," Wilde noted.
Ambiguous Ending and Visual Clues
Discussing the film's ending, Wilde confirmed that her intended interpretation leaves open the possibility that one of the central couples may never have physically existed. She encouraged audiences to revisit the film for subtle visual clues that hint at this ambiguity. "I wanted to create something that rewards repeat viewings," she said.
Theatrical Release Over Streaming
Wilde defended her decision to reject streaming offers after Sundance, insisting The Invite deserved a theatrical release. She argued that independent films are benefiting from renewed audience interest, particularly among younger moviegoers, and believes cinemas remain an essential part of the filmmaking experience. "There's nothing like watching a story unfold in a dark room with strangers," she said.
