Prime Video’s latest dark thriller “The Invitation” is perfect for Halloween

“The Invitation” is a must-see slow-burn thriller.

Halloween is finally here, and what better time to make yourself uncomfortable by watching an incredibly tense movie? A few Halloweens ago, I remember craving something thrilling rather than frightening (which is rare for me). Scrolling through some of the best streaming services, I stumbled upon “The Invitation” and it sounded like the perfect treat for spooky season.

I must start by saying that not many movies can make me uncomfortable, especially after experiencing several twisted horrors. But the atmosphere in “The Invitation” left me feeling uneasy in the best possible way. The tension, awkwardness, and paranoia make it impossible to relax, and even the simplest interactions are laced with an underlying sense of dread. After finding it again on Prime Video, I knew I had to recommend it.

If horror movies aren’t your thing or you’d prefer something that won’t give you nightmares, “The Invitation” is the perfect pick. Here’s why you should stream it now for Halloween…

“The Invitation” is a gripping thriller filled with haunting tension.

“The Invitation” is a psychological thriller that centers on Will (Logan Marshall-Green), a man haunted by his past. When he gets invited to a dinner party hosted by his ex-wife, Eden (Tammy Blanchard), and her new husband, he reluctantly decides to go, hoping to find closure.

As the evening progresses, the atmosphere becomes increasingly unsettling. Will notices the strange behavior of the guests and senses a growing tension, leading him to question their intentions. What initially appears to be a simple gathering soon turns into a night of paranoia and dread, as dark secrets and unsettling truths come to light.

“The Invitation”: Haunting Atmosphere and Strong Performance

Although this movie may seem straightforward enough to follow, its slow-building tension will pull you in almost instantly. The movie begins innocuously, with Will and his girlfriend, Kira (Emayatzy Corinealdi), arriving at the dinner party. They meet people and have some drinks, but Will starts to suspect that something is wrong with the group. Eden is especially unsettling as she talks about cults, and in one disturbing moment, slaps a friend across the face. Any mention of a cult is an immediate red flag.

“The Invitation” owes much of its critical acclaim to the powerful performances at its core. Will (Logan Marshall-Green), David (Michiel Huisman), and Eden (Tammy Blanchard) are the standouts in this unnerving thriller, making it as discomforting to watch as it is compelling. Huisman, in particular, brings an especially sinister edge that gets under your skin. His warmth initially puts you at ease, but that same charm soon reveals a chilling undercurrent. If you’ve seen the new “Speak No Evil,” Huisman’s portrayal will likely remind you of James McAvoy’s turn as Paddy—a likable man whose friendly façade begins to fracture.

Riveting Acting in “The Invitation”

Logan Marshall-Green perfectly captures the viewer’s unease, becoming increasingly paranoid as he navigates the eerie house and interacts with the guests. He’s just an ordinary man caught in a dangerously unfamiliar situation. These powerful performances are what earned the movie such high praise.

“The Invitation” boasts an impressive 90% rating on Rotten Tomatoes. Jim Rohner from Battleship Pretension described it as “a haunting slow burn with subtle performances and an intangible feeling of something askew.” He added that this leaves “an ominous feeling of something sinister constantly bubbling just below the surface.” Meanwhile, Variety’s Justin Chang called it a “teasingly effective thriller that builds a remarkable level of tension throughout its 99-minute running time.”

Watch “The Invitation” on Prime Video This Halloween

“The Invitation” is a must-see thriller for Halloween this year. It’s also ideal for those who prefer to avoid pure horror (and would rather sleep peacefully). Whether you’re a fan of psychological thrillers or just looking for something to set the mood for Halloween. “The Invitation” offers an experience that is both haunting and truly captivating.

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