Olivia Wilde shot The Invite in strict script page order — betting each scene's discoveries would build organically toward a deeper ending than anyone had planned. She encouraged actors to create their own characters, incorporated Penélope Cruz's interest in menopause and Esther Perel, and then filmed herself hearing Norton's climactic monologue for the very first time. Norton calls it the greatest act of directorial trust he's experienced in 30 years.