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Parents' Guide to

The Invitation

By Tara McNamara, Common Sense Media Reviewer

age 15+

Thriller about vampires has lots of blood but doesn't suck.

Movie PG-13 2022 104 minutes
The Invitation Movie Poster

A Lot or a Little?

What you will—and won't—find in this movie.

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age 17+

Based on 3 parent reviews

Dreake
Dreake Parent of 14-year-old
September 1, 2022
age 14+

'The Invitation,' now this, is a good one!!

Finnnnaly . . a movie that is sure to be as iconic in macabre & horror as Phantom of the Opera, Alien, or, Halloween. Nathalie Emmanuel & Thomas Doherty nail it. They both do a superb job of acting, and, luring the audience into the demonic domain. It's a horror film that will have you nail biting right out of the gate. Unpredictable and twists galore, it'll be a head spinner as to what will come next. And, a lengthy enough ending to fully justify satisfaction guaranteed. Without saying too much about it, 'Invitation,' suggests a possible love story, and walking into the sunset, or, just maybe something altogether different. Like as stated in a football game, where one team commits an error . . it simply comes down to . . 'you make the call.' This movie becomes fast paced when it needs to be. And as musically intense as necessary to keep you on the edge of your seat. If you miss this one in the big theater, you will have surely been cheated out of among the best in this genre. Prepare for what I'm going to say, will be this year's best thrill seeker . . The 'Invitation.' It will also be - in my opinion - a movie that can be enjoyed by a varied audience, as the level of gore is tastefully toned down. The film is also negligibly risquè. And Nathalie projects a fine quality of innocence, but, one who can be quite self-assertive, and, not afraid to speak her mind. She's inspirational to all girls who find themselves in awkward and precarious situations, and, who holds true to her convictions.

This title has:

Great role models
1 person found this helpful.
Emrullah
Emrullah Parent of 3-year-old
September 1, 2022
age 18+

This title has:

Too much violence
1 person found this helpful.
See all 3 parent reviews

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?

Our review:
Parents say (3 ):
Kids say (8 ):

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

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