PARK CITY, Utah – The comedic momentum at the Sundance Film Festival was sustained on Saturday as two distinctive films premiered to enthusiastic audiences. Olivia Wilde’s "The Invite," an exploration of marriage on the brink of collapse, and Cathy Yan’s art-focused satire "The Gallerist," featuring Natalie Portman, both made their world debuts, contributing to the festival's rich tapestry of new cinema.
"The Invite," presented at the Eccles Theater, marks the third directorial effort by Wilde and her first since the 2022 release "Don’t Worry Darling." The film was greeted with a standing ovation, signaling a strong response from viewers. Written by Will McCormack and Rashida Jones, the narrative centers on a couple, portrayed by Wilde and Seth Rogen, who invite their upstairs neighbors, played by Penélope Cruz and Edward Norton, for dinner. The evening transitions from tentative small talk to an intense, revealing confrontation that blends humor with emotional depth.
In discussing the film post-premiere, Wilde highlighted the collaborative nature of the project: "Several of the greatest moments of this movie were written by the cast. We shot in order, which was incredible. ... It was such a luxury." Both Wilde and Rogen noted the significant improvisation involved, with Wilde remarking, "I think there’s a seven-hour movie that you would have liked."
Beyond directing, Wilde has been active at the festival, having previously supported the premiere of Gregg Araki's "I Want Your Sex," where she performs as an unconventional artist and provocative figure.
Following this drama was the unveiling of "The Gallerist," in which Natalie Portman stars as Polina Polinski, a gallery owner seeking to establish her reputation at Art Basel Miami. The film's storyline incorporates elements of intrigue, highlighted by the involvement of Polinski’s assistant, played by Jenna Ortega, in a scheme to sell a deceased individual. Director Cathy Yan expressed enthusiasm about the project’s originality: "It was such a great original concept that felt really juicy and perfect," she said, appearing alongside Portman, Ortega, and Charli XCX.
Addressing a question from the audience on whether Portman was drawn to the role for personal reasons, she humorously responded, "I’ve never tried to sell a dead body before." The cast includes Zach Galifianakis as an influencer and Da’Vine Joy Randolph as an emerging artist, rounding out a distinguished ensemble featuring Catherine Zeta-Jones, Sterling K. Brown, and Daniel Brühl.
Also premiering at the Eccles Theater was "Wicker," starring Olivia Colman as a sardonic fisherwoman. The plot involves her commissioning a basket weaver, portrayed by Alexander Skarsgård, to create a husband. Skarsgård also headlines in "The Moment," a film featuring Charli XCX. These presentations are part of the Sundance offerings seeking distribution deals during the festival, which continues through February 1.