Review of The Invitation (2016) by James H — 03 Jul 2017

From the beginning, Karyn Kusama ratchets up the tension to the point where the audience has no chance to relax. In the typical horror film, there are the expositional scenes where fans can expect to be relatively at ease; establishing geography, introducing characters, etc. However, Kusama establishes all of that with an introductory scene that drips with tension and anxiety. I've not been this anxious or on-edge during a thriller in some time.

The slow-burn is the best part; all of the questions, anxiety, and palpable fear are what carries the film. That's what this jump-scare-free stroke of genius has going for it that few other films do nowadays: a sense of fear for the characters on-screen.

Those with patience will likely love it.