The Invitation (2022)

The Invitation (2022), directed by Jessica M. Thompson, is a gothic horror-thriller that blends modern anxieties with the classic vampire mythos. It’s stylish, atmospheric, and occasionally campy, with a storyline that feels like Bridgerton meets Dracula. Below is a complete guide to the film, covering everything from its ending to hidden details.

Detailed Summary

Evie’s Ordinary Life

Evelyn “Evie” Jackson (Nathalie Emmanuel) is a struggling New York artist who recently lost her mother. Feeling alone, she takes a DNA test and discovers distant relatives in England. She gets invited to a lavish wedding at a countryside estate, thrilled to connect with family she never knew existed.

Arrival at the Estate

Evie travels to Whitby, where she meets her charming host, Walter De Ville (Thomas Doherty), and extended family members. Walter is magnetic, aristocratic, and suspiciously perfect. Evie is quickly swept into his world of wealth, grand dinners, and ancient traditions.

Red Flags and Growing Suspicion

Soon, Evie notices strange behaviors from the staff and guests. Servants seem fearful, whispers about family “traditions” grow unsettling, and odd disappearances occur. Despite the red flags, she grows closer to Walter, who pursues her romantically.

The Bloody Revelation

During a dinner scene that flips the tone of the film, Evie learns the horrifying truth: Walter is a vampire lord. Her newly found family are his familiars, bound to serve him. Evie herself is not just a guest—she’s intended to be his bride. The family orchestrated everything to lure her in because of her bloodline, which makes her a perfect match to continue Walter’s lineage.

Transformation Attempt

Walter tries to seduce and coerce Evie into embracing her role. She briefly gives in, drinking his blood and gaining vampire-like powers, but ultimately resists fully turning. Evie realizes her only option is to fight back, even if it means destroying Walter and everything he represents.

Movie Ending

The climax takes place in Walter’s sprawling estate. Evie sets the mansion ablaze while battling Walter, using her newfound partial vampire strength against him. After a brutal showdown, she manages to impale Walter with a spear and drag him into the flames. The vampire lord burns to death, and with his demise, the bond enslaving his familiars is broken.

The survivors flee as the estate collapses in fire and destruction. Weeks later, Evie is back in New York, seemingly free of her vampire curse since she never fully turned. The film ends with her seeking revenge: she and her friend Grace track down another vampire associate, preparing to hunt him down. This final shot suggests Evie has not only survived her trauma but is now turning into a vampire-slayer.

Are There Post-Credits Scenes?

No, The Invitation (2022) does not feature any mid-credit or post-credit scenes. Once the movie ends with Evie’s determination to fight back, that’s it. The credits roll, leaving the story closed but hinting at a larger fight beyond the film.

Type of Movie

This is a gothic horror thriller with romance elements, blending vampire mythology with modern themes of class, race, and power dynamics.

Cast

• Nathalie Emmanuel as Evie
• Thomas Doherty as Walter De Ville
• Sean Pertwee as Mr. Fields (the butler)
• Hugh Skinner as Oliver Alexander
• Alana Boden as Lucy
• Courtney Taylor as Grace

Film Music and Composer

The score was composed by Dara Taylor, who crafted a soundtrack mixing eerie gothic undertones with moments of romantic tension. The music emphasizes suspense while enhancing the Victorian-meets-modern vibe of the film.

Filming Locations

The movie was filmed primarily in Budapest, Hungary, a location often used for gothic and historical films thanks to its architecture and atmospheric landscapes. The castle setting played a crucial role in creating the dark, old-world aesthetic essential to the story.

Awards and Nominations

As of now, the film didn’t receive major awards, though it was noted in discussions about stylish modern horror films. It drew attention mostly for Nathalie Emmanuel’s performance and its lush gothic visuals.

Behind the Scenes Insights

• Jessica M. Thompson wanted to create a “modern Dracula bride story” from a female perspective.
• Nathalie Emmanuel performed many of her own stunts during the fiery climax.
• Thomas Doherty studied classic vampire portrayals (from Dracula to Interview with the Vampire) but infused Walter with a more seductive, aristocratic edge.
• The production leaned heavily on practical sets instead of green screens to achieve the gothic feel.

Inspirations and References

• Loosely inspired by Bram Stoker’s Dracula, specifically the “brides of Dracula” mythology.
• Also influenced by gothic romance novels and films like Crimson Peak.
• The “ancestry test gone wrong” concept ties the story to modern themes about identity and heritage.

Alternate Endings and Deleted Scenes

Reports suggest that early drafts of the script leaned into a darker ending, with Evie fully turning into a vampire and ruling in Walter’s place. The final version was chosen to keep Evie more heroic and empowering. Some extended gore sequences were trimmed to maintain a PG-13 rating.

Book Adaptations and Differences

While not a direct adaptation of a single book, the movie borrows heavily from Dracula lore. Unlike traditional Dracula tales, the focus here is entirely on a woman lured into vampirism against her will, giving it a fresh, feminist twist.

Memorable Scenes and Quotes

Key Scenes

• Evie’s discovery at the grand dinner when Walter reveals his true nature.
• The wedding sequence where she realizes she’s not a guest but a sacrifice.
• The final fiery showdown in the burning estate.

Iconic Quotes

• Walter: “You’re not a guest, Evie. You’re family.”
• Evie: “I’d rather burn with you than bow to you.”

Easter Eggs and Hidden Details

• Walter’s name “De Ville” is a sly nod to the devil.
• The use of Whitby as a location is a direct reference to Bram Stoker’s Dracula, which is partly set there.
• The opening DNA test scene mirrors the theme of “bloodlines” central to vampire lore.

Trivia

• Nathalie Emmanuel was cast after her breakout roles in Game of Thrones and Fast & Furious, bringing star power to the film.
• The estate interiors were shot in historic Hungarian mansions that date back to the 19th century.
• The film was originally titled The Bride.

Why Watch?

Watch The Invitation if you enjoy gothic horror with a modern twist, lush castle settings, and themes of empowerment against toxic control. It’s also worth watching for Nathalie Emmanuel’s strong leading performance and Thomas Doherty’s dangerously charming vampire act.

Director’s Other Works

• The Light of the Moon (2017) – Thompson’s directorial debut about sexual assault survival.
• Various short films and TV projects.

Recommended Films for Fans

• Crimson Peak (2015)
• Dracula Untold (2014)
• Ready or Not (2019)
• The Invitation (2015) – unrelated but thematically similar
• Interview with the Vampire (1994)