Some of the most gripping and profound films are those that stress dynamic writing and cinematic subtleties. This can be effective in movies of a darker bent - which can certainly describe Karyn Kusama's psychological horror, The Invitation. Despite the majority of the film taking place in a single estate, the movie proves both unsettling and enthralling with its emotional, psychological undertones. It's a character study that conveys the effects trauma can have on the mind - and predatory cults that can exploit this. It's a heavy and intense look into the different coping mechanisms human beings can take on in their darkest hours. It's also a portrayal as to the importance of sticking to one's convictions and breaking the mold.
An emotional film like this - that emphasizes dialogue and philosophical concepts is bound to have plenty of memorable quotes. The Invitation certainly doesn't disappoint on this front, with some impactful, profound, and borderline ominous statements.
"I'm Free. All That Useless Pain, It's Gone. It's Something Anyone Can Have, Will..."
Early on in the film, despite knowing little about Will's ex-wife Eden, it becomes apparent from her demeanor and Will's reactions that she's not quite herself. This is made clear by one of her first lines of dialogue, in which she tells him that she's "free."
While inspirational and endearing on its surface, it has an ominous air that has plenty of foreshadowing as the movie goes on. Her statement following this - that she wants him to share in this apparent freedom - sets the stage for the sinister plot that unfolds.
"Forgiveness Doesn't Have To Wait. I'm Free To Forgive Myself And So Are You."
Bits of rhetoric stemming from Dr. Joseph's cult begin to trickle out early in the film, as shown in the previous entry. Yet, the eerie and largely unknown dinner guest, Pruitt, takes this one step further by telling a grim story about the accidental killing of his wife following a domestic dispute.
While he's seemingly only trying to convince himself, he then engages in a sort of sermon proclaiming that, he too, is now "free of guilt" after becoming a part of Joseph's group. Even more so than Eden, it's clear with this eerily calm confession that Pruitt has bad intentions, as the shocking ending reveals.
"Maybe I Wasn't Prepared To Be Here Tonight."
The Invitation is rife with allusions, symbolism, and foreshadowing that brings some depth and intrigue. A prime example of these nuances comes when Eden's new husband David confronts Will about his distant and somewhat resistant nature at their party.
After David comments on his suspicious demeanor to their "hospitality," Will responds with this statement. On a literal level, it refers to Will's struggle in facing his demons in this house - his former home and the home of his now-deceased son. But on a deeper level, subconscious level, he seems to be indicating he also isn't ready for what turns out to be a death-pact conspiracy. Unfortunately - these conspirators have apparently decided that he is ready.
"Grief, Anger, Depression, Abuse... It's All Just Chemical Reactions."
Once again, viewers get a little more insight into the ideology of Dr. Joseph and his cult, through the rhetoric of Eden. In this case, it's their friend Ben who gets this apparent insight from her.
Again, there are eerie and even sad undertones here, as it's clear Eden is trying to wipe away the traumatic death of her young son through this coping mechanism. She attempts to downplay the impact of her former negative feelings by boiling it down to a sort of mental chemistry.
"I Don't Pretend To Know What You Went Through. And You Don't Know Me. You Can't."
A good lead is usually one with complexity - as well as one who exudes a certain strength. This quote certainly reinforces Will as a resilient and defiant figure. He basically tells David to back off as Eden's new husband pretends to "understand" Will's grief, equating it with David's own dark past of drugs and the death of a loved one.
The film somewhat conveys the difference of human reactions to trauma - shown by Will and Eden's contrasting demeanor in particular. Will is reestablishing this notion here - that everybody's pain has distinct traits and circumstances, and that everyone copes differently.
"Something Dangerous Is Going On, And We're All Just Ignoring It Because David Brought Some Good Wine!"
While most of the guests tend to be oblivious to the eerie and somewhat odd nature of this party, Will spends much of the time suspicious and hesitant. This notion is muddied and brushed aside by most - attributing it to Will's instability in revisiting the home of his deceased son.
But this building tension and suspicion reaches a boiling point when one of the guests that was supposed to be there is seemingly missing. The lead's explosion at the dinner table - which includes this memorable line - is particularly impactful and raw.
"Each One Of Us Is On A Journey And We Feel It's Important To Be On This Journey with the People We Love."
More verbal foreshadowing - this time in the person of Eden's husband David, who seems to subtly convey that, again, this group of friends has been "chosen" for something.
The fact that this seemingly casual dinner party is being referred to as a "journey" seems a bit ominous to say the least. This is confirmed by the chaotic final act when it's revealed the four conspirators have poisoned the wine after their meal, and intend to kill everyone.
"They Are Just People."
Some of the most effective quotes can be some of the simplest - depending on the context, of course. In the case of this one, spoken by Will to his girlfriend, Kira, the survivors of this unwilling suicide pact are terrified and are scrambling to exit the house. Not only this, but the house is barred, locked, and fairly isolated, with virtually no cell service.
In an attempt to gain confidence and provide a peaceful assurance, Will brings perspective to the matter. He reminds Kira that - despite the fact that one of them is armed - ultimately they're just people. There's no supernatural presence; no Freddy or Jason. They can be resisted and dealt with, no matter how malicious (and creepy) they seem.
"My Son Is Dead. Where Do I Put That?"
Like the previous entry, this quote from the main character exudes tons of emotion and impact in just a few words. As he talks with Kira about how he can cope with the loss of his son, he poses this question, which borders on the philosophical.
It's really a clever and vivid way to convey the anguish trapped in Will's head; trauma that he's looking to set free. He wants to honor his memory without letting go like Eden clearly has, but he is clearly struggling to cope.
"It's Not About Grief Or Counseling, Or Family. It's About ****ing Denial."
Will certainly seems to hog many of the premiere quotes in this film, but he really does have a way with words. This notion is reinforced when Will attempts to wake his friends up to the fact that these four people are part of a cult.
Moreover, this is a cult that doesn't work to better oneself but to deprive and make things worse by way of denial. This seems to be supported by various lines spoken by these four - who, again, seem to only be convincing themselves.