Wilde says directing *The Invite* softened her cynicism

Olivia Wilde says she’s become “so much more romantic” after directing *The Invite*, the heartfelt drama she made with her partner, Jason Sudeikis. Speaking at Switzerland’s Locarno Film Festival, she called the experience transformative. “It’s melted the cynic out of me,” Wilde said. The film follows a couple navigating long-term marriage, exploring how love endures over decades.

Wilde’s shift in tone reflects the project’s deeper themes. She and Sudeikis, who have two children together, have been together since 2017 and split in 2022. *The Invite* was shot during the later stages of their relationship, giving it an added layer of personal weight. Wilde has spoken before about how parenting changed her perspective on love. The film’s focus on commitment over time seems to have pushed her further in that direction, even as her own relationship faced challenges.

The reaction to Wilde’s comments shows how personal storytelling can reshape public perception. Fans and critics have long debated her roles in Hollywood’s #MeToo era, but *The Invite* marks a shift toward stories centered on emotional honesty. Wilde’s co-star, Dermot Mulroney, who plays the husband in the film, has said the script moved him to tears during filming. Wilde’s own words suggest the project left a lasting mark on her as well.

Wilde didn’t say whether *The Invite* will lead to more romantic roles for her. But her newfound optimism about love could shape her future work. For now, she’s focusing on the film’s release and the conversations it’s sparking about long-term relationships. Whether this change lasts beyond the red carpet remains to be seen—but for fans of her earlier, sharper-edged roles, it’s a noticeable turn.