The Sundance Film Festival in Park City, Utah, maintained its comedic momentum on Saturday with the highly anticipated world premieres of two standout films: Olivia Wilde's The Invite and Cathy Yan's The Gallerist, starring Natalie Portman. These debuts highlighted the festival's commitment to sharp, character-driven storytelling, drawing enthusiastic crowds at the Eccles Theater.
Olivia Wilde Returns to Comedy with 'The Invite'
The Invite marks Olivia Wilde's third directorial venture and her first since Don't Worry Darling, signaling a return to the comedic roots that defined her acclaimed debut, Booksmart. Sundance programmers have praised the film as a refreshing and insightful exploration of modern relationships, blending humor with emotional depth.
Written by Will McCormack and Rashida Jones, the film centers on a couple teetering on the brink of collapse, portrayed by Wilde and Seth Rogen. Their evening takes an unexpected turn when they invite their upstairs neighbors, played by Penélope Cruz and Edward Norton, for dinner. What ensues is a raw, revealing encounter that lays bare the complexities of marriage and friendship, delivered with Wilde's signature wit.
Wilde has been a prominent figure at this year's festival, having also appeared in Gregg Araki's new film, I Want Your Sex, which premiered on Friday night. In that project, she took on the role of an eccentric artist and sexual provocateur, further showcasing her versatile talents in front of and behind the camera.
Natalie Portman Stars in 'The Gallerist'
Following The Invite, Cathy Yan's The Gallerist captivated audiences with its satirical take on the art world. Natalie Portman leads the cast as Polina Polinski, an ambitious gallerist striving to establish her reputation at Art Basel in Miami. With the assistance of her dedicated aide, played by Jenna Ortega, Polina becomes entangled in a bizarre scheme involving the sale of a deceased individual's remains.
The film boasts an impressive ensemble, including Zach Galifianakis as a social media influencer, Da'Vine Joy Randolph as a rising artistic talent, and notable appearances by Catherine Zeta-Jones, Sterling K. Brown, Daniel Brühl, and musician Charli xcx. This marks Charli xcx's third Sundance film, adding to her growing presence in the indie cinema scene.
Additional Premieres and Festival Highlights
The Eccles Theater also hosted the premiere of Wicker, featuring Olivia Colman as a sardonic fisherwoman who commissions a basketweaver, portrayed by Alexander Skarsgård, to create a husband for her. Skarsgård also appears in Charli xcx's film The Moment, underscoring the interconnected nature of this year's festival lineup.
All these films are actively seeking distribution deals during the Sundance Film Festival, which continues through February 1, 2026. The event remains a crucial platform for independent filmmakers to showcase their work and connect with industry stakeholders, fostering innovation and diversity in storytelling.
With its blend of comedy, drama, and star power, the 2026 Sundance Film Festival reinforces its status as a premier destination for cinematic excellence, offering audiences a glimpse into the future of filmmaking.
