The Invitation 2016
Directed by
Karyn Kusama
Made by
Drafthouse Films
Plot Summary
Discover the intricate plot of The Invitation (2016). From unexpected twists to emotional highs and lows, this detailed summary breaks down every moment to give you a deeper understanding of the film’s story.
Will, portrayed by Logan Marshall-Green, embarks on a journey with his girlfriend Kira to his former residence in the Hollywood Hills, having received an unusual invitation to a dinner party hosted by his ex-wife, Eden, played by Tammy Blanchard. The trip takes a dark turn when Will accidentally strikes a coyote with his car and, out of compassion, ends the animal’s suffering with a tire iron.
Upon arriving at the sprawling home nestled in the canyons of Los Angeles, Will is met with familiar faces he hasn’t seen in over two years—his friends Tommy and his partner Miguel, as well as Gina, who comments on the late arrival of her boyfriend Choi. They are soon welcomed by Eden and her new husband, David, who hints at a celebration that evening. Noticing a mysterious half-clad woman named Sadie, who later is introduced as someone Eden befriended in Mexico, tensions begin to rise as the night unfolds. Kira shares the unsettling story of Will’s encounter with the coyote, earning him both sympathy and mild rebuke from the group.
As the evening progresses, Will becomes ensnared in a web of memories and flashbacks, revealing the haunting past he shares with Eden, including a moment where he witnessed her self-destructive behavior. Their uneasy interactions draw out stark differences in their coping mechanisms—where Eden embraces a new philosophy regarding grief, Will grapples with lingering pain and distrust. The arrival of Pruitt, another member of Eden’s newfound community, adds to Will’s growing unease as he begins to suspect that the night isn’t merely a friendly reunion.
Despite the festive atmosphere, Will’s discomfort escalates, especially when David mentions past tragedies, including a home invasion, and locks them all inside—heightening Will’s vigilance and paranoia. He continues to uncover troubling details, such as the presence of unmarked pills in Eden’s room and the unsettling narratives surrounding a cult known as The Invitation, to which Eden and David belong. As the gathering spirals further into bizarre confessions and unsettling revelations, including a recruitment video with a chilling suicide demonstration, Will’s concerns mount.
Just as Will’s anxiety reaches a peak, he witnesses David and Eden celebrating another birthday too soon, prompting him to confront the group about Choi’s absence and their collective intentions. The atmosphere shifts dramatically; a dinner hosted under precarious circumstances transforms into a fight for survival. The tension culminates in a violent chain of events as cult members, driven by their twisted beliefs, reveal their true colors.
In a desperate bid for escape, Will and Kira, amidst utter chaos, must navigate through a landscape of betrayal, loss, and murderous intent. Will’s journey of grief takes a horrific turn as he fights to protect his remaining loved ones, ultimately uncovering that they are not alone in their plight—the red lanterns scattered across the hillside signify a far-reaching, nightmarish conspiracy, implicating many more in a chilling ritual set against the backdrop of their personal tragedies. By the end, Will is left to confront not just the shadows of his past, but a future that remains irrevocably altered by the night’s catastrophic events.
Timeline
Track the key events of The Invitation (2016) with a comprehensive timeline. Perfect for understanding the sequence of major plot points, this feature offers clarity on how the story unfolds.
Departure for the Dinner Party
Will and his girlfriend Kira embark on a trip to Will's former residence in the Hollywood Hills after receiving an unusual invitation from his ex-wife, Eden. This journey marks the beginning of an unsettling reunion filled with haunting memories and unexpected events.
Encounter with the Coyote
On the way to the party, Will accidentally strikes a coyote with his car. Out of compassion, he uses a tire iron to end the animal's suffering, a decision that foreshadows the darker events of the evening.
Arrival at Eden's Home
Upon arriving at Eden's sprawling home in the canyons of Los Angeles, Will and Kira are greeted by familiar faces from the past, including friends Tommy and Miguel. The atmosphere begins to thicken with tension as they catch up amidst uneasy memories.
Meeting the Guests
The host, Eden, and her new husband, David, welcome Will and Kira alongside other guests. Tensions rise with the mysterious appearance of Sadie, a woman Eden befriended in Mexico, which sets an ominous tone for the reunion.
Kira’s Story About Will's Encounter
As the evening progresses, Kira recounts Will's distressing encounter with the coyote, drawing mixed reactions from the gathered friends. This story serves to highlight the differences in how Will and the others perceive grief and compassion.
Past Shadows Emerge
During the gathering, Will is bombarded with memories and flashbacks of his past with Eden, including her troubling self-destructive behavior. This revelation emphasizes the emotional chasm between Will and Eden, complicating the reunion further.
Introduction of Pruitt
Pruitt, a new member of Eden's circle, joins the gathering, which only heightens Will's anxiety. He soon begins to suspect that there is more to this gathering than simple reconnection among friends.
David's Dark Mention
David brings up past tragedies, including a home invasion, and locks the guests inside the house. Will's discomfort and paranoia intensify as these revelations take a darker turn, hinting at hidden dangers around them.
Discovery of Unmarked Pills
Will makes a troubling discovery when he finds unmarked pills in Eden’s room, fueling his growing unease about the intentions of the gathering. This encounter leads him to ponder deeper about the cult-like behavior exhibited by the hosts.
Chilling Confessions
As the night continues, bizarre confessions surface, including a chilling recruitment video that features a suicide demonstration. The atmosphere shifts as Will realizes he may be entangled in a sinister plot regarding the cult known as The Invitation.
Confrontation About Choi
Braced by trepidation, Will confronts the group about the absence of Choi, Gina's boyfriend. This pivotal moment shatters the façade of the dinner party, revealing the sinister undertones of their gathering.
Shift to Violence
Tensions escalate, and the charming dinner transforms into a fight for survival as the cult members reveal their underlying intentions. The night deteriorates, unraveling into chaos, confrontation, and betrayal.
Desperate Escape
Amidst the chaos, Will and Kira scramble to escape the malicious intentions of Eden and her followers. They navigate through a landscape of violence, desperation, and mounting fear as they uncover the reality of their situation.
Revelation of a Horrific Ritual
As Will fights to protect Kira and themselves, they discover that the red lanterns scattered across the hillside signify a broader conspiracy involving chilling rituals. This revelation shatters Will's grip on reality as he confronts his tragic past.
Confronting the Future
In the aftermath of the night’s catastrophic events, Will is left to grapple with the shadows of his past and the irrevocably altered reality of the future. His journey of grief has transformed into one of survival, marked by loss and haunting memories.
Characters
Meet the characters that bring The Invitation (2016) to life. Dive into detailed profiles of the cast and their roles, exploring their motivations, relationships, and arcs within the story.
Will
Will is portrayed as a deeply traumatized individual struggling with his past and the loss of his relationship with Eden. His journey throughout the night showcases his persistent unease as he navigates the gathering, marked by flashbacks and interactions that reveal his vulnerabilities. As tensions escalate, Will transforms from a passive guest into a desperate protector, fighting to save himself and Kira.
Eden
Eden embodies the complexities of grief and coping mechanisms, having adopted a new philosophy that starkly contrasts with Will's lingering pain. Her transformation and the new life she presents at the dinner party reveal both strength and hidden darkness, making her an enigmatic figure in Will's life. Her role as a host ultimately tests the boundaries of friendship and loyalty.
Kira
Kira provides a grounding presence amid the chaos, offering support to Will while grappling with her own discomfort at the party. Her empathy and concern for Will's well-being highlight her compassionate nature, but as the night spirals into horror, her safety becomes increasingly threatened. She represents the struggle to maintain normalcy in the face of rising tensions.
Setting
Uncover the settings of The Invitation (2016), from iconic locations to the time period that shapes its world. See how these elements add depth and context to the movie’s narrative.
Time period
The events of the movie occur in a contemporary setting, highlighting the struggles of modern relationships amidst the backdrop of grief and personal trauma. While there are references to past tragedies, the narrative is rooted in present-day realities, focusing on themes of loss and healing.
Location
Hollywood Hills, Los Angeles
The Hollywood Hills are known for their picturesque views and luxurious homes, making it a desirable yet eerie location for gatherings. This sprawling neighborhood overlooks the city and is famous for its celebrity residents. The contrast of beauty and darkness sets the stage for the unsettling events that unfold during the dinner party.
Themes
Explore the core themes of The Invitation (2016). From its commentary on social issues to its emotional undertones, delve into the deeper messages woven into the film’s story.
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Grief
The theme of grief permeates throughout the film, showcasing how different individuals cope with loss. Will's struggle with his past and his connection to Eden reveals the complexities of moving on while grappling with unresolved emotions. This theme is examined against the backdrop of a dinner that turns from a reunion into a harrowing ordeal.
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Betrayal
Betrayal is central to the narrative, as friendships are tested in the face of chilling revelations. The facade of friendship disintegrates, exposing lurking motives and dark secrets, culminating in shocking acts of violence. This theme underscores the dangers of misplaced trust and the impact of trauma on relationships.
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Cult Influence
The film explores the dangerous allure of cults through Eden and David's beliefs, emphasizing how they manipulate grief to recruit others. This theme serves as a critique of blind faith in the face of personal loss, highlighting the vulnerability individuals face when searching for meaning and belonging.
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