Having made a huge impression when it screened at the SXSW Film Festival last month, the worldwide rights to psychological thriller The Invitation have been secured by Drafthouse Films – a move that will enable wider audiences to experience the story. The film is the fourth feature from director Karyn Kusama (Girlfight, Aeon Flux, Jennifer’s Body) and is written by Phil Hay and Matt Manfredi (Clash Of The Titans).
The Invitation centres on Will, a man who once enjoyed a happy family life with his wife, Eden, and their young son. This happiness ended, however, when tragedy befell their child and Eden subsequently disappeared. When she reappears, suddenly, after a two year absence, Eden brings with her a new husband, a new group of friends, and what seems to be an entirely new sense of self. At Eden’s invitation, Will attends a dinner party at her home, gradually coming to believe that the intentions of the group are rather more sinister than first suspected.
Receiving a very positive reception on the festival circuit, The Invitation features a talented cast that includes Logan Marshall-Green (Prometheus), Tammy Blanchard (Into The Woods), Michiel Huisman (Game Of Thrones) and John Carrol Lynch (American Horror Story). Its unusual quality makes it an instant fit for film distribution company Drafthouse – an offshoot of the Alamo Drafthouse Cinema chain in Texas, specializing in releasing movies that lie firmly outside mainstream cinema.
Previous successes for the company include Four Lions, The ABCs Of Death, The Act Of Killing, and A Field In England. The company’s COO, James Emanuel Shapiro explained that it was the haunting nature of the film that prompted the acquisition.
“The Invitation has remained under our skin since we first saw it and we’re honoured that we’ll be able to share with audiences everywhere.”
The director, Karyn Kusama, expressed her excitement at working with a distribution company renowned for championing independent projects.
“We love what they [Drafthouse] do. I’m excited by their passionate enthusiasm for the film and truly honoured to be working with them.”
While the acquisition of The Invitation has been made, no official release plan has been announced yet. Given the level of interest in the film generated by screenings already held, however, wider distribution can almost certainly be expected soon.