The film is directed by female US filmmaker Karyn Kusama(who also directed  2005’s sc-fi / action film Æon Flux, and 2009’s  teen horror comedy Jennifer's Body). The Invitation is a very stripped-back, dialogue heavy, mainly one location based story which tells of  a man  attending the  dinner party of his ex-wife & her new husband- and the man’s  suspicion that there is something sinister afoot. The film nicely plays with paranoia, doubt, memory, trust & friendship- leaving the viewer guessing right until the last quarter of the film. It’s really a movie you have to come into fairly blind for it to be it’s most effective. It features a great modern though sinister looking house setting in the Hollywood hills- which features creepily lit corridors,  a great use of light & shadow, and a feeling of build dread/threat- which may or not be in the mind of the central character.  It’s certainly a film for those who have patience to let the movies unfold at a fairly slow, though highly effective manner- if you don’t enjoy character based, dialog heavy, and considered film-making - this is not for. But if you enjoy slow building tension, intrigue, and a effective & slightly shudder inducing end The Invitation is  for you.

The Drafthouse Films release of the film comes with DVD, Blu ray, and digital versions of the film. With the two discs & digital code coming in a blu- ray case, which features a slip case, and a 16 page inlay booklet- this takes in moody colour stills, an introduction by the director and a essay discussion the film.  All making a nice  package. So if you enjoy well-made, well-acted, moody & building thriller/ horror films you’ll certainly enjoy The Invitation, and Drafthouse’s nicely presented release of the film.