Olivia Wilde, who both directs and stars in the upcoming film ‘The Invite,’ has recounted a surprising moment on set when co-star Penélope Cruz spontaneously improvised a kiss with her. The incident left Wilde momentarily stunned, causing her mind to go blank and leading to an unusual on-camera reaction.
An Unscripted On-Screen Moment
During the filming of ‘The Invite,’ a film centered around a dinner party that spirals into chaos, Wilde experienced an unexpected improvisation from Cruz. “There’s a moment in the film where she improvised a kiss with me,” Wilde shared. “I was so shocked when she did it, that I actually turned my head and looked directly into the lens, and then through my camera operator, who said ‘Olivia,’ and I said, ‘Namaste!’ for some reason.”
Wilde explained the peculiar reaction stemmed from her complete surprise. “That’s the only thing that came to my mind, Namaste, and everyone was like, what, and I was like, I don’t know, my mind went blank because I was so struck by this moment. I lost control. I was so madly in love with it.” This candid admission highlights the unpredictable nature of filmmaking and the creative freedom actors and directors sometimes embrace.
Wilde’s Dual Role in ‘The Invite’
Wilde not only stars in ‘The Invite’ but also takes on the directorial responsibilities. The film’s premise involves two couples converging for a dinner party, where the evening takes an unforeseen and chaotic turn. The ensemble cast includes notable actors such as Seth Rogen and Edward Norton, alongside Wilde and Cruz.
Critics have already begun to offer praise for the film, describing it as “perversely funny” and a “sophisticated farce,” suggesting a blend of dark humor and intricate storytelling.
Initial Hesitation to Star
Interestingly, Wilde revealed that her initial inclination was not to act in ‘The Invite.’ Speaking on Jessie Ware’s “Table Manners” podcast, she confessed, “I didn’t want to star in it. I didn’t want to be in it… I just wanted to nail the direction.” However, the persistent encouragement from her co-stars, including Edward Norton, Seth Rogen, and Penélope Cruz, eventually persuaded her to take on a role.
“The cast, Edward and Seth and Penelope, kept saying… ‘We think you should do it.’ I was so struck because it just hadn’t occurred to me,” Wilde recalled. She admitted to experiencing imposter syndrome regarding acting in the film, contrasting it with her confidence in her directing abilities. “I weirdly had, like, I think imposter syndrome about acting in it, but for some reason not about directing. I don’t know, I think at this point I feel like a much better director than actor.”
Thematic Depth of ‘The Invite’
Wilde elaborated on the film’s underlying themes, describing it as a narrative that explores the complexities of relationships. “So essentially it’s about on the surface what seems like an unhappy couple and a happy couple colliding for one night to have a dinner party that goes kind of off the rails and leads to unforeseen conclusions for everyone,” she explained.
She further emphasized the film’s deeper message: “What it really is is a story about relationships that tries to figure out why they work or why they’re not working, and if it potentially has something to do with how little we communicate, particularly about sex.” This focus on communication, or lack thereof, suggests a nuanced exploration of modern relationships.
Inspiration and Directorial History
‘The Invite’ draws inspiration from a Spanish film titled “The People Upstairs,” which itself was based on a play by the same writer-director. This marks Wilde’s third directorial endeavor, following her critically acclaimed debut “Booksmart” in 2019 and the more divisive “Don’t Worry Darling” in 2022.
Addressing Past Rumors
During the promotion of ‘The Invite,’ Wilde also addressed persistent rumors that surrounded her previous film, “Don’t Worry Darling,” particularly those concerning her relationship with star Florence Pugh. Reports at the time suggested a feud between Wilde and Pugh, potentially stemming from Wilde’s relationship with Harry Styles while Pugh was still engaged to Jason Sudeikis.
Wilde directly refuted claims of a “screaming match” on the set of “Don’t Worry Darling.” “I have never had a screaming match on my set. I was never not available on set. I wanted to be like, ‘None of this is true,'” she stated. The speculation significantly impacted the film’s rollout and continued to follow Wilde and Styles.
Wilde expressed regret over adhering to advice from the studio and other parties to remain silent on the rumors during the “Don’t Worry Darling” press tour. “I was told, ‘Don’t say a f**king word. Just go out there and smile,'” she recalled. “I resent that, but it taught me it’s not the way I want to handle things.” This experience has apparently shaped her approach to managing public narratives surrounding her work.
With ‘The Invite,’ Wilde appears to be navigating the complexities of filmmaking and public perception with renewed perspective, focusing on the creative process and the collaborative spirit, as evidenced by the memorable improvised kiss with Penélope Cruz.
