Drafthouse Films Will Release Excellent SXSW Thriller ‘The Invitation’
DirectorKaryn Kusamareturns this year withThe Invitation, which impressed the hell out of me when it debuted in the Midnight program at the recent SXSW film festival. The film watches as a couple (Logan Marshall-GreenandEmayatzy Corinealdi) heads to a dinner party thrown by the guy’s former wife and her new partner (Tammy BlanchardandMichiel Huisman), where signs quickly begin to suggest that things are very muchoffwith the hosts. They seem to have been recruited into a cult of some sort, but is their new mindset actually a problem, or just kinda weird?
The Invitationis a gripping thriller with a really ominous tone and a terrific ending. Now Drafthouse Films has picked up the movie for worldwide distribution.Varietyreports the pickup by Drafthouse; it’s the company’s first worldwide distribution deal.The Invitationwas written and produced byPhil HayandMatt Manfredi. We’ll pass along a date once Drafthouse announces a release plan.
The Invitation Drafthouse
Here’s how Drafthousedescribed the film in a statement.
The Invitationstars Logan Marshall-Green (Prometheus) as a haunted man attending a dinner party at the house he once called home, who becomes gripped with paranoia that his ex-wife and her new husband are harboring an insidious agenda. Tammy Blanchard (Into The Woods), Michiel Huisman (“Game Of Thrones”), Emayatzy Corinealdi (Middle Of Nowhere) and John Carroll Lynch (“American Horror Story”) also star.
“The Invitationhas remained under our skin since we first saw it and we’re honored that we’ll be able to share with audiences everywhere,” said Drafthouse COO James Emanuel Shapiro. “Karyn, Phil and Matt have crafted one of the best mysteries we’ve ever seen.”
“I know I speak for our whole team when I say that we could not be more thrilled to be working with Drafthouse Films for the release ofThe Invitation. Drafthouse is a one-of-a-kind label and an influential arbiter of taste. We love what they do. I’m excited by their passionate enthusiasm for the film and truly honored to be working with them,” said Kusama.
