The Invitation

A man accepts an invitation to a dinner party hosted by his ex-wife and her new husband, years after a tragedy drove them apart. As the evening progresses, he grows increasingly suspicious of the hosts' peculiar behavior and the unsettling atmosphere, leading him to believe they have sinister intentions for their guests.

The Invitation was met with generally positive reviews from critics, who praised its slow-burn tension, psychological horror, and Karyn Kusama's direction. The film was noted for its effective build-up of dread and a satisfying, albeit disturbing, climax. Audience reception was also largely favorable, appreciating its unique approach to the thriller genre.

• Praised for its masterful build-up of suspense and psychological tension.

• Hailed as a clever and unsettling modern horror film.

• Director Karyn Kusama's confident hand keeps the audience on edge.

Google audience: Audiences generally appreciated the film's atmosphere of dread and suspense, finding the psychological aspect of the horror compelling. Some viewers felt the pacing was slow in parts but ultimately rewarded by the payoff.

Director Karyn Kusama initially envisioned the film as a more direct thriller but decided to lean into the psychological and unsettling aspects, making the "cult" element more ambiguous and creeping.