MovieChat Forums > The Invitation (2016) Discussion > To those who are saying this movie was t...

To those who are saying this movie was terrible... (SPOILERS)

posted 9 years ago by dfmapalo4
9 replies | jump to latest

This movie was different in a way where it was semi-predictable yet, very well done. From the very beginning we are lead to believe that something sinister is going on with Eden and David. We could guess that they are murderers, cannibals, or nymphomaniacs; but we are tossed back and forth throughout the movie on whether or not it's all in Will's mind. He is quick to judge that something bad is going to happen. We are thrown this idea that Will might just be having anxiety attacks from the feeling of being back in the home he shared with his ex-wife (Eden) and their now, dead son. Which is understandable and would be a completely plausable outcome of the movie. However, if that was the case in this film, I would've been highly disappointed. The whole "it was all in their head" outcome has been overplayed in the suspense genre. I have to admit, the beginning was a bit slow but, the built up mystery had me hooked from the start. From when they showed the unsettling death video to when Claire leaves the party, all the way up to Will's final outburst before the big secret gets revealed; these suttle clues and pieces to the puzzle, although small, were a really creative way to build up suspense.

This movie actually got me excited in a sinister way. Once Eden and David called another toast even though they've been toasting all night, along with Eden's speech about peace, gave it away that they were going to create a mass suicide amongst their friends to end their "suffering" and that alone, was scary. Seeing Gina dead after being the only one who took a sip of that drink sent chills down my spine. The fact that Will was right all along is just freaky in itself. Things like this actually happen and I absolutely love movies that explore these topics. This movie did not need jump scares, ghosts, monsters, or tons of blood and guts to make it creepy.

So, to the people saying that this movie sucked, I don't understand how you can be a fan of suspense/horror and not appreciate a film that doesn't take much to make a viewer feel unnerved. To me, The Invitation was a hidden gem and a refreshing break from your typical slasher remake or cookie cutter ghost story.

I am somebody who can sit and enjoy a slow movie as long as the ending or outcome is clever. Instead of the "killer coming back at the end" cliché, we get those red lights across the neighborhood. There couldn't have been a more unsettling but clever ending

Never make an IMDB account when you're 12...

[–] lindley-ward32 9 years ago

I agree! Just watched it and I gave it an 8/10. I love movies that make me question what I believe to be true the entire time. I kept jumping back and forth between 'is Will crazy?' Or 'is Will right?'

I even love how they finally revealed the truth to us - by Will throwing that idiot/Manson-family-like hippie against the buffet and Kira says "she's not breathing" and we're left thinking for a split second "oh crap Will, now you've done it" and BOOM! He was right all along!

I for one appreciate this new crop of indie films that give us horror in a more psychological way instead of the typical slasher film. I like blood and guts too but this film was a welcome break from that.

The ending was unexpected as well with all the red lights at the other houses - soooo good!

[–] jriley555 9 years ago

great posts.

the casting & acting was great too, the smarmy, ingratiating, insinuating, presumptuous host, the creepy hulking sinister presence of the unknown but threatening guest, squeaky freaky sadie and her crazy faces in the mirror, the ex-wife clearly perched on some sort of emotional tight-rope.

but as the op states, we are pushed to at the same time question an 'over-reaction' to it all, just as most of the guests, who are inclined to go along with the 'party platform'.

this is an elegantly crafted thriller/horror film.

[–] WaySheGoes 9 years ago

I like this post a lot. It was really well acted and made, it had me thinking a couple times it was coincidence and in his head. Really liked this film

[–] Thousand_miles 9 years ago

I love thriller and supense movies. But this movie was so easy to read. There were no subtle hints. Everything was spelled out. It amazes me how long they dragged it out.

Also, using other characters to start a random dialogue to stop us for looking or focusing is not building suspens, its dumb. About 7 times, david started to look for something, but somone had to come over, start a dreadfull long pointless conversation so david (us the viewer couldnt see).

The only hands down good part of this movie is that someone actually felt like the viewer... Bored and left. Bright gal, slow clap. I mean they are crazy, they are making everyone uncomfortable, Its forced conversation, they are ranting about their sect, this guy went to prison and are crazy, these two guys are unstable and meeting for the first time after their child died in a house he hasnt been in yet... Yes, fun way to spend saturday night guys...

No one sees that this is a horrible HORRIBLE movie.

[–] nkavy71488 9 years ago

I'm sure there are others who see this as a "horrible HORRIBLE movie". You, and they, are just in the minority. That's all. :-)

[–] Adolphofuente 8 years ago

I agree with you. The whole premise forces you to suspend disbelief right from the beginning because it feels so forced and awkward and it only goes downhill from there.

[–] nihilist_jabroni 8 years ago

Don't say "we" unless you know you're speaking for everyone else. You sure as hell aren't speaking for me. I'm glad you felt unnerved from the film. Sadly, I did not, just annoyed and disappointed. The final scene was over the top, unnecessary garbage. Completely unrealistic. To each their own, I guess. I'll give the movie an "A" for effort. But it's getting a 5/10 overall.

[–] Thousand_miles 8 years ago

i Was watching it with friends.. Thats why i use "we". Geez, calm your tits

[–] SWLinPHX-2 8 years ago

The Invitation was a hidden gem and a refreshing break from your typical slasher remake or cookie cutter ghost story.

I wholeheartedly agree! This movie is the kind that uses psychological mind games to keep you on edge and I too thought it was going to be Will who was the deluded and paranoid one overall. Excellent!

I recommend "The Gift" for an equally uneasy, chilling feel to it.