Key Takeaways
- The Sundance Film Festival continued its comedy streak with the world premieres of "The Gallerist" and "The Invite"
- "The Invite" received an enthusiastic standing ovation and features a sharp look at a crumbling marriage with a cast including Olivia Wilde and Seth Rogen
- "The Gallerist" is an art world satire starring Natalie Portman as a gallerist attempting to make a name for herself at Art Basel in Miami
- Both films are seeking distribution at the Sundance Film Festival, which runs through February 1
- The festival has also featured other notable premieres, including "Wicker" starring Olivia Colman and "I Want Your Sex" featuring Olivia Wilde
Introduction to the Sundance Film Festival
The Sundance Film Festival is one of the most prestigious film festivals in the world, and this year’s edition is no exception. The festival, which runs through February 1, has already seen the premiere of several highly anticipated films, including "The Gallerist" and "The Invite". These two films, which premiered on Saturday, continue the festival’s comedy streak and offer a glimpse into the exciting new releases that are set to hit theaters in the coming months.
The Premiere of "The Invite"
"The Invite" is a sharp look at a crumbling marriage, starring Olivia Wilde and Seth Rogen as a couple on the edge. The film, which marks Wilde’s third time behind the camera, follows the couple as they invite their upstairs neighbors, played by Penélope Cruz and Edward Norton, over for dinner. The evening starts with awkward small talk and becomes a raw and revealing encounter that is both funny and devastating at times. The film received an enthusiastic standing ovation at its premiere, with Wilde praising the cast for their contributions to the script. "Several of the greatest moments of this movie were written by the cast," she said. "We shot in order, which was incredible. … It was such a luxury."
The Making of "The Invite"
Wilde and Rogen also revealed that there was a significant amount of improv involved in the making of the film. "I think there’s a seven-hour movie that you would have liked," Wilde joked. The film’s script was written by Will McCormack and Rashida Jones, and it’s clear that the cast had a significant input in the final product. The film’s success is a testament to the power of collaboration and the importance of allowing actors to bring their own ideas and creativity to a project.
The Premiere of "The Gallerist"
Following the premiere of "The Invite" was Cathy Yan’s "The Gallerist", starring Natalie Portman as a gallerist attempting to make a name for herself at Art Basel in Miami. The film is an art world satire that follows Portman’s character as she gets involved in a plot to sell a dead body. The film features a starry cast, including Jenna Ortega, Zach Galifianakis, and Catherine Zeta-Jones, and offers a hilarious and irreverent look at the art world. The film’s premiere was also well-received, with audiences praising Portman’s performance and the film’s witty script.
Other Notable Premieres
In addition to "The Invite" and "The Gallerist", the Sundance Film Festival has also featured several other notable premieres. "Wicker", starring Olivia Colman as a sardonic fisherwoman, premiered at the Eccles Theater, and "I Want Your Sex", featuring Olivia Wilde as an eccentric artist and sexual provocateur, debuted on Friday night. These films, along with "The Invite" and "The Gallerist", are all seeking distribution at the festival, and it will be exciting to see which ones will go on to achieve success in the coming months.
Conclusion
The Sundance Film Festival is a highlight of the film calendar, and this year’s edition is shaping up to be one of the best yet. With a range of exciting new releases, including "The Invite" and "The Gallerist", the festival is offering something for everyone. Whether you’re a fan of comedy, drama, or satire, there’s something to be found at Sundance. As the festival continues through February 1, it will be exciting to see which films will emerge as the standout hits of the year. With their unique blend of humor, style, and creativity, "The Invite" and "The Gallerist" are certainly two films to watch in the coming months.
