You Won't Believe What Natalie Portman and Seth Rogen Just Did at Sundance—Shockingly Bold Move!

PARK CITY, Utah (AP) — The laughter echoed through the halls of the Sundance Film Festival as the spotlight shone on two compelling comedies that premiered Saturday. Among them was “The Gallerist,” an art world satire featuring Natalie Portman, and Olivia Wilde’s “The Invite,” which provides a sharp, humorous examination of a crumbling marriage.

Debuting at the Eccles Theater, “The Invite” marks Wilde’s third directorial effort, following her previous film, “Don’t Worry Darling.” The audience responded enthusiastically, giving the film a standing ovation that underscored its emotional impact.

Written by Will McCormack and Rashida Jones, the film stars Wilde alongside Seth Rogen as a couple navigating the awkwardness of inviting their upstairs neighbors, played by Penélope Cruz and Edward Norton, over for dinner. What begins as a night of awkward small talk unfolds into a raw encounter that is as revealing as it is humorous.

“Several of the greatest moments of this movie were written by the cast,” Wilde said after the premiere. “We shot in order, which was incredible. … It was such a luxury.”

The film utilized improvisation, with both Wilde and Rogen revealing that they could have easily filled the editing room with enough footage for a “seven-hour movie.”

Wilde’s presence at Sundance has been notable, as she also introduced Gregg Araki’s new film “I Want Your Sex” on Friday night, where she portrays an eccentric artist and sexual provocateur.

Following “The Invite,” the spotlight turned to “The Gallerist,” directed by Cathy Yan. This film features Portman as Polina Polinski, an ambitious gallerist striving to make her mark at Art Basel in Miami. With the help of her assistant, played by Jenna Ortega, Polina becomes embroiled in an outrageous scheme involving the sale of a dead body. The star-studded cast also includes Zach Galifianakis, Da’Vine Joy Randolph, Catherine Zeta-Jones, Sterling K. Brown, Daniel Brühl, and musician Charli XCX, who is making her third appearance at Sundance.

Additionally, the Eccles Theater hosted the premiere of “Wicker,” featuring Olivia Colman as a sardonic fisherwoman who takes on the quirky task of commissioning a basket weaver, portrayed by Alexander Skarsgård, to create her a husband.

All these films are part of the Sundance Film Festival, which runs through February 1, and are currently seeking distribution. The festival is known not only for its celebration of independent cinema but also for its platform to highlight emerging talent and innovative storytelling.

The emphasis on comedy at this year's festival reflects a broader trend in the film industry, where creators are increasingly blending humor with serious themes to engage audiences in unique ways. As these films make their way through the festival circuit, they aim to resonate with viewers who seek both entertainment and deeper reflections on contemporary issues.

For more updates on the latest films and happenings at the 2026 Sundance Film Festival, visit: AP News.