Tense and Unnerving ‘The Invitation’
“While attending a dinner party at his former home, a man thinks his ex-wife and her new husband have sinister intentions for their guests.”
This movie wasn’t even on my radar, but I came across it while checking out Rotten Tomatoes as it sported a 90% fresh rating. Intrigued, I watched the trailer and I think the first thing that got my attention was the music. Really tense, unnerving ‘I hope it doesn’t last too long’ kind of vibe. Hi-pitched, dissonant, screeching sort of tones throughout the 2 minute trailer that made you think if the music was that tense, hopefully the movie followed suit.
Second thing I notice was that I didn’t recognize anyone in the trailer except this guy, which was fine, but I realize that I do like it when I don’t know anyone in the movie. It makes it feel like they could be real people. Adds to the realism of the movie…for me at least. One of the leads is from The Game of Thrones, but didn’t that know until after I saw the movie. I felt uncomfortable after watching the trailer. I wanted to watch the movie.
I don’t want to give away the details, for I’m trying not to write any spoilers. I don’t want to be that guy, but I will say it starts off making you uncomfortable and continues throughout. A slow burning ‘thriller’ with ‘holy shit’ moments and a tight script, but did it leave a few unanswered questions, which I kind of like. Creepy vague script.
It was also horrifying. The story does borrow from real life tragedies, which lends to the realism and the fact that you know it’s real horror. You’ll be watching and say, “Oh no…it’s one of these!” I don’t know how to rate acting other than to say I believed the characters. The director is Karyn Kusama, which is a new name to me, but what do I know? I’m guessing we’ll hear from her again. I bet I’ll watch her next film.
People are scarier than monsters and this movie highlights that. I’m only writing about this particular movie because it’s one of those movies that you’re still thinking about the next day. You’re still looking for answers, but you won’t find them. The horror will continue…and may make you rethink your next dinner party.