"The Invitation," a psychological thriller directed by Karyn Kusama and released in 2015, takes us on an unsettling journey as we follow Will (Logan Marshall-Green), a grief-stricken man, and his ex-wife Eden (Tammy Blanchard), who invites him to a dinner party at their former home. As the evening progresses, the hidden tensions, dark secrets, and mysterious agenda of the hosts and their guests unfold, culminating in a shocking and disturbing climax.
The film begins with Will and his girlfriend, Kira (Emayatzy Corinealdi), driving to Eden's luxurious Los Angeles home for the dinner party. Will and Eden had tragically lost their young son in a freak accident two years earlier, which led to the disintegration of their marriage. This gathering marks the first time Will has seen Eden and their old group of friends since the devastating event.
Upon arriving at the house, Will is greeted warmly by Eden and her new husband, David (Michiel Huisman), who appears to be part of a mysterious spiritual group called "The Invitation." As the night unfolds, Will becomes increasingly suspicious of the group's intentions and the unsettling behavior of its members.
Throughout the dinner, the hosts, David and Eden, reveal their newfound beliefs in a philosophy centered on embracing pain, embracing death, and finding solace in letting go of worldly attachments. As the guests share their own personal experiences and trauma, it becomes evident that they have all undergone significant transformations since becoming involved with the group.
Will, plagued by grief and skepticism, questions the true motives of "The Invitation" and suspects that something sinister is lurking beneath the surface. He becomes increasingly convinced that Eden and David are using the dinner party as a façade for a more sinister plan. However, as he tries to express his concerns to the others, his fears are met with resistance and accusations of paranoia.
Throughout the night, Will's unease intensifies as he uncovers clues suggesting that the group may have been involved in a tragic event involving an outsider. Paranoia and tension escalate as the guests are restricted from leaving the house, and it becomes clear that they are isolated and potentially in danger.
The situation comes to a head when one of the guests accidentally discovers evidence of a hidden agenda, leading to a confrontation that exposes the true nature of "The Invitation." The group's philosophy takes a dark turn as it becomes apparent that they believe in embracing death and willingly committing acts of violence to achieve spiritual enlightenment.
In a shocking and harrowing climax, Will fights to protect himself and Kira from the increasingly deranged and dangerous members of the group. The night ends in a violent and chaotic struggle for survival, leaving the attendees and the audience shaken to their core.
As dawn breaks, the survivors escape the horrifying ordeal, but the impact of the night's events will forever haunt them. Will, now having faced the darkest depths of his grief, emerges with a newfound strength, knowing that he must let go of the past and move forward with his life.
"The Invitation" is a gripping and psychologically intense thriller that explores the complexities of grief, trauma, and the dangers of blindly following charismatic leaders. The film masterfully builds suspense and keeps the audience on the edge of their seats until the chilling revelation of "The Invitation's" true intentions.