Olivia Wilde, Seth Rogen, Edward Norton, and Penelope Cruz deliver their best in this film exploring a couple’s attempt at befriending their neighbors.

“The Invite” was among one of the quieter releases recently, not even garnering enough interest for a release in local theaters. Surprising to say the least, given its star-studded cast of four and distribution under the indie scene’s ever-so-popular A24. Yet, with its limited run, it received high praise during its run in the US and still managed to bring in quite the audience.

In “The Invite,” we follow music teacher Joe (Seth Rogen) coming home to realize his wife Angela (Olivia Wilde) has invited their upstairs neighbors, Piña (Penelope Cruz) and Hawk (Edward Norton). This leads to an argument as Joe goes on about how he doesn't want to meet them due to how loud the neighbors can be on certain nights. As the night goes on, you feel the awkward tension between the two couples unfold until the ultimate climax when Piña and Hawk reveal to them an intimate secret about themselves.

What makes the film quite interesting is how it plays out more like a theater production. It does, however, have the full advantage of being a film to allow the characters to move around freely in their own environment. Shots seen throughout have unique angles and framing. Even with just four people, it manages to keep your attention throughout as you find yourself invested in their relationships and the apartment it takes place in.

Joe and Angela are seemingly one bad fight away from a divorce, whereas Piña and Hawk have a noticeably healthier relationship. Seeing their personalities bounce off each other makes for an amusing watch. As the audience, we feel like a fly on the wall as the four stars unfold what it means to be truly happy in a relationship. You’ll find yourself laughing at some of the truly relatable banter and feeling the secondhand embarrassment for the tiny mishaps that occur through the night. By the end of it all, it also leaves you with a new perspective on how to feel about certain relationships.