Marriage's Sex Life Killer: The Invite's Viral Hit

Olivia Wilde's new film, 'The Invite,' is being hailed as a buzzy, funny exploration of how marriage can impact sexual intimacy. Starring Edward Norton and directed by Wilde, the movie offers audiences a cathartic laugh by addressing common relationship dysfunctions, making viewers feel less alone. The film draws heavily on psychotherapist Esther Perel's theories, particularly the idea that 'bed death' can be an inevitable byproduct of societal expectations.

'The Invite' critiques the American cultural emphasis on duty and obligation within marriage, suggesting that pleasure and personal exploration are often secondary to maintaining the family unit. This perspective, rooted in puritanical values, is presented as a counterpoint to European views where the continuation of a relationship implies ongoing intimacy. The film, set in San Francisco, resonates as particularly American despite its Spanish origins.

Edward Norton highlighted the film's unique chronological shooting style over three weeks on a single set, which he believes was crucial for its narrative arc and emotional layering. Wilde expressed feeling 'thrilled and ruined' by the collaborative experience, noting its profound impact. The film, which premiered at Sundance in January, has become a critical and commercial success, generating awards buzz.

Wilde connects the film's themes to a broader societal struggle with intimacy, exacerbated by technology and a culture of curated social lives. The movie encourages embracing spontaneity and the 'collision with the unknown,' contrasting with modern tendencies towards isolation and fear of vulnerability. Norton posits that global trauma and violence also suppress eroticism, making 'The Invite' a 'tonic' for disconnected individuals.