Hollywood's hottest duo Olivia Wilde and Edward Norton are about to serve up a piping hot dose of reality with their new sex comedy 'The Invite'. This sizzling drama delves into the often-awkward world of 'bed death', where long-term relationships go from burning passion to mere duty. And trust us, it's a conversation starter - both on and off screen.
The film, set in San Francisco, takes a deep dive into the complexities of marriage with Wilde as Angela, a frustrated artist struggling to keep the spark alive with her musician husband Joe (Seth Rogen). When she invites their neighbours, former firefighter Hawk (Norton) and his therapist girlfriend Piña (Penélope Cruz), for supper, what unfolds is an evening that will leave you gasping - like a punch to the gut!
Wilde's film has been influenced by the incisive work of Belgian psychotherapist Esther Perel, who argues that relationships can be rebooted. Her ideas are woven into the narrative via Piña, Cruz's character, who embodies the concept that while all connections evolve, they can sometimes be rekindled. The film also tackles Perel's notion that societal pressures can lead to 'bed death' - an inevitable consequence of prioritising duty over desire.
Wilde has spoken candidly about how a puritanical cultural heritage contributes to a reluctance to prioritise pleasure or admit relationship difficulties. For women, she suggests, marriage can represent a sense of achievement and security, making ongoing exploration of pleasure secondary to maintaining the family unit. It's a raw honesty that sets 'The Invite' apart from other films on the same subject.
While its American setting and specific cultural references may be unique, the film's themes of marital strain and intimacy are universal. With a cast that includes Wilde, Norton, Rogen, and Cruz, this movie is set to resonate with audiences worldwide - just like its Spanish play counterpart has done in Europe and South Korea.