The Invitation is a horror movie directed by Jessica M. Thompson, starring Nathalie Emmanuel, Stephanie Corneliussen and Thomas Doherty.
Premise
A young aspiring New York artist is invited to travel to England to meet her long lost extremely wealthy and traditional family, having done a DNA test to track down her lineage. She accepts the invitation, and is welcomed with open arms by her host (Mr. Deville) in the splendid mansion. Mysteries start to be unveiled as her stay prolongs and her relationship with Deville starts to become more intimate.
Review
A traditional and formulaic horror movie.
Despite the photography, or perhaps in part due to the photography (at least in some of the takes) the movie does not escape its own indelible fate to which it has sentenced itself from the elaboration of screenplay on. Its acquiescence to clichés is terrifying.
It becomes a “been there done that” viewing experience – we have seen this story so many times – and with a predictability in the storyline that astounds us.
Nevertheless, there are aspects in the movie that worth noting, such as the initial scenes in New York, and the photography (with a few exceptions). The performances are good, clearly the cast does live up to the requirements. However, if the screenplay, the very foundation of a movie, is poorly structured, no matter how good the photography or how stellar the performances, the movie is doomed to be forgotten.
So, if you are in the mood for a traditional vampire movie, blatantly heavy on clichés (from the stereotypes American gal meets old money Brit, to the creaking doors, to the plotters feeding like beasts during a sudden mask dinner party – hinting to the Eyes Wide Shut meets Interview with a Vampire …who knows? – and shadows in the dark) go for it. Give into the guilty pleasure of watching a predictable vampire movie. Don’t forget the popcorn.
Our Opinion
If you really want to have a scary viewing experience, watch the news. With The Invitation you will merely be passing time, and probably left aghast in boredom; it is like the nth (like the hundredth or even thousandth) visit to the Haunted House at the yearly town carnival.
Cast
 Nathalie Emmanuel / Evie |  Thomas Doherty / Walter |  Stephanie Corneliussen / Viktoria |  Alana Boden / Lucy |  Hugh Skinner / Oliver |
 Kata Sarbó / Manicurist |  Scott Alexander Young / Uncle Julius |  Virág Bárány / Emmaline |  Sean Pertwee / Mr. Fields |  Elizabeth Counsell / Mina Harker |
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