Movie Review: The Invitation (2015)
Synopsis
The Invitation is a psychological thriller directed by Karyn Kusama that revolves around a tense and unsettling dinner gathering in the Hollywood hills. The film explores themes of grief, trauma, and the fragility of human perception.
The story follows Will (Logan Marshall-Green) who, along with his girlfriend Kira (Emayatzy Corinealdi), is invited to a dinner party by his ex-wife Eden (Tammy Blanchard) and her new partner David (Michiel Huisman). The event serves as a reunion of sorts for Will and his friends, comprising old acquaintances like Ben (Jason Mamoa), Gina (Michelle Krusiec), and the quirky duo of Tommy (Evan Helgee) and Angela (Emily Alyn Lind).
As the evening unfolds, tensions rise and an ominous atmosphere looms. Will senses something is amiss, especially in the context of the recent death of his young son, which has deeply affected him and his relationship with Eden. As past traumas resurface and guests begin to exhibit increasingly bizarre behaviour, Will’s paranoia escalates. The seemingly innocuous dinner party morphs into a descent into terror, leading to revelations that blur the line between reality and insanity.
List of Actors and Characters
- Logan Marshall-Green as Will
- Tammy Blanchard as Eden
- Michiel Huisman as David
- Emayatzy Corinealdi as Kira
- Jason Mamoa as Ben
- Michelle Krusiec as Gina
- Evan Helgee as Tommy
- Emily Alyn Lind as Angela
Review
The Invitation is a masterclass in suspense, relying heavily on atmosphere and character dynamics rather than conventional horror tropes. Karyn Kusama crafts a subtle yet compelling narrative that keeps the viewer guessing throughout. From the very first scene where Will and Kira drive through the eerie, dimly lit streets of Los Angeles, the film sets a tone imbued with unease and anticipation.
The cinematography, helmed by Bobby Shore, plays a crucial role in building this sense of disquiet. The composition of each frame conveys an air of claustrophobia, accentuating the feeling that the characters are trapped not just within the house, but within their unresolved trauma and grief. The use of lighting further intensifies the mood; more vibrant colours in moments of light-heartedness contrast starkly with the shadows that denote fear and tension. This visual style is elevated by the film’s score, which oscillates between haunting melodies and jarring dissonance, echoing the inner turmoil of the characters as they grapple with their pasts.
Performances in The Invitation are commendable, with Logan Marshall-Green delivering a particularly poignant portrayal of Will. His emotional fragility, coupled with an undercurrent of suspicion, makes for a compelling protagonist. Marshall-Green captures the nuances of grief; his reactions are grounded, allowing viewers to empathise with his struggles. Tammy Blanchard, as Eden, presents a jarring transformation from the loving ex-wife to a seemingly detached and enigmatic presence, embodying the chilling effects of loss and acceptance in disconcerting ways.
Support from the ensemble cast adds substantial depth to the narrative. Michiel Huisman’s David is magnetic, equally charming and sinister, adeptly embodying the complexities of a man who has seemingly stolen Eden away from Will. The supporting characters, particularly Ben and Gina, serve as both comic relief and conduits for tension, their interactions often laced with discomfort that aligns with the film’s theme of unaddressed trauma.
What stands out in Karyn Kusama’s direction is her ability to create palpable tension through the most ordinary moments. An innocuous game or a simple toast can quickly shift into something sinister. This is particularly notable in the film’s climax, where confrontations lead to existential questions about the nature of grief and acceptance, drawing parallels between what is genuinely caring behaviour and what can become monstrous through denial.
As the evening progresses and the boundaries of camaraderie and discomfort blur, the shifting dynamics among the characters reflect the myriad ways people cope with loss and existential dread. The incremental build-up of tension is skillfully handled, leading to an eruption in violence that, while shocking, feels inevitable and almost justifiable given the context.
The Invitation manages to eschew jump scares and instead crafts a slow burn that lingers long after the credits roll. The film is steeped in metaphorical undertones, likening the dinner table to a battleground where the characters are forced to confront not only their fears but also each other. The unsettling realisation that those we hold dear may not be who we think they are resonates throughout the narrative.
In this light, The Invitation transcends conventional horror. It posits questions about the nature of relationships built on trauma and the potential for emotional disconnection amidst shared grief. As Will grapples with the spectre of his son, the movie deftly examines how unresolved pain can manifest and consume those left behind. The idea of loyalty and the boundaries of friendship are called into question—can one truly know another person when they cling so tightly to their own traumas?
The film reaches its apogee with a stunning climax that is as emotionally charged as it is horrifying. Will’s ultimate confrontation with Eden and the revelations that unfold resonate profoundly, exposing not only the fragility of human connections but also how far people are willing to go in their desperate quest for closure and belonging.
The Invitation leaves viewers with an unsettling feeling, inviting them to ponder the implications of the choices made by the characters. As the film concludes, it paints a vivid picture of how unresolved grief can lead to moral ambiguity, blurring the lines between friend and foe, love and betrayal.
Conclusion
In conclusion, The Invitation is a haunting exploration of grief, trauma, and the intricate web of human relationships. Karyn Kusama’s direction and the powerful performances drive the narrative forward, creating an experience that is both thought-provoking and unsettling. It pushes the boundaries of psychological horror, focusing on the emotional landscape rather than relying solely on fear. With its chilling atmosphere and complex character portrayals, The Invitation stands out as a significant entry in the genre.
Score: 9/10
