Common Sense Media Review
By Tara McNamara
,
based on child development research. How do we rate?
Thriller about vampires has lots of blood but doesn't suck.
Parents Need to Know
Why Age 15+?
Any Positive Content?
Where to Watch
Videos and Photos
The Invitation
What's the Story?
After she takes a DNA test, Evie (Nathalie Emmanuel) is contacted by her long-lost cousin Oliver (Hugh Skinner). He offers to fly her to England to meet the rest of the family, who will be gathered for a lavish wedding. Accepting THE INVITATION, Evie become charmed by a family friend who's hosting the event, a British aristocrat named Walter (Thomas Doherty). But things aren't what they seem, and the family reunion quickly turns into a gothic conspiracy.
Is It Any Good?
Thompson's vampire film takes a bite out of the romantic fantasies that have kept fans under their spell for centuries. Smart, strong, and on her toes, Evie is thankfully the direct opposite of Twilight's co-dependent Bella. The success of that franchise in the early 2000s reignited entertainment's love affair with vampires, werewolves, and other supernaturally spooky beings (including the Disney Channel's villain-fest Descendants, where Doherty initially found fame). Perhaps in acknowledgment of that trend, Thompson and co-writer Blair Brown crafted a story for The Invitation that revolves around the allure of two romantic figures that today's teens have grown up with: Prince Charming and a sexy vampire.
But the filmmakers seem to be trying to put the final nail in the coffin of these stories that, in a sense, groom fans to be taken advantage of. The Invitation is a horror thriller that pivots on elements of the female experience -- specifically, not knowing who to trust and yet wanting to give in to the kind of princess fantasies that many have been fed their entire lives. While it's wildly fantastic, this is also a cautionary tale: Don't fall for an appealing promise, the offer of exotic, all-expenses-paid travel, or an invite to attend a party where powerful men will be in attendance. Thompson asks: When a magnificent, opulent door is opened, do you walk through? Is Prince Charming going to be like Prince Harry ... or Prince Andrew? The Invitation doesn't have all the answers, but it makes one thing clear: Women thrive and survive when they can "Count" on each other.
Talk to Your Kids About ...
Families can talk about real-life examples of women being lured into danger with the promise of easy money, glamorous situations, or dream opportunities. How can these circumstances be avoided? Why does Evie and Grace's system fail?
Why do you think literature and entertainment often portray vampires as alluring? How does The Invitation compare to other monster movies you've seen?
Talk about how to advocate for yourself on the job or at school. How do authority figures intimidate women throughout this film?
Who demonstrates courage in the film? Why is this an important character strength?
What does "complicit" mean, and how do we see it play out in the film?
Movie Details
- In theaters : August 26, 2022
- On DVD or streaming : September 16, 2022
- Cast : Nathalie Emmanuel , Hugh Skinner , Thomas Doherty
- Director : Jessica M. Thompson
- Inclusion Information : Female Movie Director(s) , Bisexual Movie Director(s) , Female Movie Actor(s) , Black Movie Actor(s) , Gay Movie Actor(s) , Female Movie Writer(s) , Bisexual Movie Writer(s)
- Studio : Sony Pictures
- Genre : Horror
- Topics : Fantasy
- Character Strengths : Courage
- Run time : 104 minutes
- MPAA rating :
- MPAA explanation : terror, violent content, some strong language, sexual content and partial nudity
- Last updated : September 29, 2025
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