[Jake.]

29/01/17

The Invitation (2015)

More of a mystery thriller than a horror, The Invitation sees Will and his new girlfriend Kira invited to a dinner party by his ex-wife Eden and her new husband, David. Will and Eden broke up following the death of their son and Eden met David at therapy in Mexico. Along with her ex-husband, Eden has also invited a bunch of friends who she nor Will haven't seen in two years. Up to speed so far? Good.

The Invitation is essentially a look into paranoia, doubting those who think it's "nice to be nice" and whether those doubts are justified. Just off the back of therapy, Eden and David are overwhelmingly positive about everything, casting aside negativity in their lifes, including the death of her own son (much to Will's suspicion, although lapped up by the other party guests). Although odd in their behaviour, everybody (Will aside) braces the couple and thinks nothing of some of their unusual tendencies (like David locking all the doors, or all of the windows having iron gates on them stopping anybody entering... or getting out). The film starts off very slowly, and I was left wondering whether things would eventually pick up. They do, but it's a question of whether it was worth the wait.

Like a lamb shank, the "main course" of The Invitation takes a while before it's ready to be served. Is it worth it? Yes, if you can stay awake long enough for it to feed your appetite.

Rating: 7/10