Olivia Wilde has changed her mind about what happens after The Invite ends

Olivia Wilde has changed her perspective on the ending of her film, The Invite. The comedy-drama about a troubled marriage featuring Wilde and Seth Rogen has been a hit worldwide, garnering over $60 million in revenue and critical acclaim. The film's ending, however, has sparked debate among viewers. Wilde herself initially envisioned the couple, Angela and Joe, separating, whereas Rogen believed they would stay together.

During an interview on The Big Picture podcast, Wilde explained her original thought process, stating that the separation would allow the characters to see each other and themselves more clearly, without implying the end of love. The pain of the separation would still be present, but the relationship would be over. She described this as a painful process, as the couple still loved each other.

However, Wilde has since come to understand a possible future for the couple. She believes that their paths would diverge, with each individual taking their own route forward. The final scene of the film, where Joe resumes playing the piano Angela once admired and they play together before Angela rests her head on his shoulder, complicates the matter. While Joe seems to have found solace, Angela's journey is far more complex.

Angela, an artist who has sacrificed her passion for photography to focus on her daughter and their home, must now rebuild her identity. Wilde emphasized that this process would be gradual and challenging for Angela. The film's advice from Pina, the therapist, encourages the couple to make their own choices, stop resenting each other, and take responsibility for their happiness.

Wilde's interpretation of the film's ending has evolved after engaging with audiences around the world. She has spoken to many individuals who have gone through similar experiences and found these conversations to be enlightening. While there is hope for the couple to create a new relationship, she believes it will require significant effort. The Invite is available on digital platforms globally.