The Invitation: Movie Review

Nathalie Emmanuel and Thomas Doherty in The Invitation (2022)

After taking a DNA test and finding out she has family in England, Evie finds herself in a foreign country and terrified for her life.

Reviewer's Note: I think it's super important to go into this movie with as little information as possible. Don't read what it's about and don't watch a trailer. You will have a much better experience with this movie.

The Invitation may be PG-13 but it stands out. The sound design is phenomenal and best enjoyed in the theater. The sounds envelopes you and really sucks you in. The score is also great and really lends to the creepy vibes.

Nathalie Emmanuel plays Evie in a very realistic way, reacting to the horror as anyone would without out going over the top. Thomas Doherty as the dark and mysterious Walt is also great. The chemistry is there without being over the top or cringe.

One of the biggest problems with horror movies is that the big bad monster, creature, ghost, etc. is seen too much and you get used to the creature. The Invitation shows you just enough so you are creeped out every single time. The bedroom scene is enough to get your heart pumping.

The dialog is a little basic and the plot can be hard to follow at times but overall this movie bring the fun and scares. Is it a perfect film? Absolutely not but it's worth a shot. It definingly needs to be seen in a theater though. Watching it at home just won't have the same effect. Remember, this is a PG-13 film so there isn't a lot of cursing, gore or nudity. It's just a fun time in a European gothic castle.