Fans of horror basically like it both ways — old and new. Classic horror movies bring that sense of nostalgia and practically formulated and solidified some of the tropes we’ve come to know and love. Meanwhile, more modern takes bring a fresh spin to scares and unexpected thrills. The Invitation finds a way to balance these scales. Directed by Jessica M. Thompson, the film offers gothic old-world horror and a modern-day storyline that’s as catchy as they come. While movies like The Conjuring and Hereditary rely solely on supernatural scares and psychological trauma, The Invitation fuses old-school gothic vibes with modern suspense proving that even in 2022 the horror genre still had a few tricks up its sleeve.
The film itself focuses on a young woman, Evie, played by Nathalie Emmanuel, who, after the death of her mother, decides to take a DNA test. Surprise, surprise, she realizes that she has roots across the pond and decides there’s no harm in meeting with her cousin Oliver Alexander (Hugh Skinner). Invited to a grand wedding in the English countryside, things initially seem too good to be true… because they are. There’s a sense of unease as strange events unfold, and Evie uncovers dark secrets about her family’s true intentions.
How ‘The Invitation’ Updates Classic Horror Themes
Image Credit: Sony Pictures Releasing
On its most basic level, The Invitation is one movie that takes an old-skin version of classic gothic horror and plops it squarely into the modern age. The dark mansion with secrets inside, and the air of eeriness all feels pulled from some kind of traditional horror story. However, what sets the movie apart is the way it takes those themes and presents them in an unfamiliar way. It doesn’t hang onto common tropes, such as a haunted house or some slasher villain. Instead, it builds upon a world where the terror dwells in the mind manifesting in the form of deception and trust.
It’s set in a classic, old English mansion in the middle of nowhere. Yet, it’s no Downtown Abbey or Pride and Prejudice, as he story takes place in present day, adding a touch of relatability. Above all, it’s the gothic elements that hit your right away, from the dark estate with creaky floors to the out-of-bounds library — never a good sign. There’s also Mr. Fields, the ever lurking butler who adds to the film’s overall “you-shouldn’t-be-here” vibe. But, besides the house that both isolates and traps Evie, the film also builds tension using a gruellingly slow pace, disappearing staff and even the estate’s location. It’s not far from Whitby, which is a well-known Dracula setting — a not-so-subtle nod to vampire lore. It’s these elements and more that push the plot, giving it an unnerving edge before the proverbial sh*t hits the fan.
The Unconventional Twists that Make ‘The Invitation’ Stand Out
Image Credit: Sony Pictures Releasing
If there’s one thing The Invitation got right, it’s cleverly using suspense and perfectly timed twists to keep the audience guessing. From the moment Evie arrives at New Carfax, it’s evident that something’s off. However, the film doesn’t rush into a revelation, it’s a bit of a slow-burn initially. There are subtle hints here and there, from weird dreams to disappearance and the all-around feel. As Evie wraps her head around this “family reunion,” what starts out being an innocent wedding event soon transforms into the hugest twist the film has to offer.
What really sells it is the way the film keeps viewers on edge with these unexpected shift. It’s initially clear that everything is not what it seems, but it’s putting your finger on what’s truly wrong that’s the issue.
How Characters in ‘The Invitation’ Develop the Suspense
Image Credit: Sony Pictures Releasing
While the storyline does its part, the characters in The Invitation equally do a lot of heavy lifting when it comes to building suspense. For instance, Evie feels as real as the next person, so when she starts noticing the strangeness about her, her reactions make sense. As each secret about her family is uncovered, and tensions hit the roof, it’s impossible not to feel what she’s feeling.
Then there’s Walter (Thomas Doherty) who comes complete with his own layer of mystery. While he’s evidently charming, from the onset, there’s a sense that something eerie is at play. Is he just a friend, some rich guy or the big bad, it’s not painfully obvious at first. Every interaction he has with Evie keeps you guessing till it becomes painfully evident that he has a bigger role to play. By the time the truth behind the wedding comes out, viewers are already wrapped up in the characters, wondering what’s going to happen next.
For a taste of the deliciously wicked fun, you can stream The Invitation on Netflix.
