You’re Cordially Invited is a 2025 romantic comedy directed by Nicholas Stoller, featuring Will Ferrell and Reese Witherspoon in leading roles. Released on Amazon Prime Video on January 30, 2025, the film centers around two families who inadvertently book the same island resort for their respective weddings, leading to a series of comedic confrontations.
🎬 Plot Overview
The narrative follows Jim Caldwell (Will Ferrell), a widower whose daughter, Jenni (Geraldine Viswanathan), plans to marry at Palmetto House, the same venue where Jim wed his late wife. Simultaneously, Margot Buckley (Reese Witherspoon), a reality TV producer, organizes her sister Neve’s (Meredith Hagner) wedding at the same location. The double booking results in escalating tensions and humorous attempts by both parties to claim the venue for their own celebrations.
🎭 Performances
Ferrell and Witherspoon, both seasoned in comedic roles, bring their signature styles to the film. Ferrell portrays the overprotective father with his characteristic physical comedy, while Witherspoon embodies the ambitious sister with sharp wit. However, critics have noted a lack of chemistry between the two leads, which affects the believability of their interactions .
🎥 Direction and Writing
Nicholas Stoller, known for films like Forgetting Sarah Marshall, attempts to blend slapstick humor with heartfelt family dynamics. While the premise offers potential for comedic chaos, the execution has been criticized for relying on predictable tropes and lacking originality . Some reviewers have pointed out that the film feels more like a standard streaming release than a standout comedy .
🎞️ Supporting Cast
The supporting cast includes Geraldine Viswanathan as Jenni, Meredith Hagner as Neve, and Celia Weston as Margot’s mother. While these actors bring depth to their roles, their performances are somewhat overshadowed by the film’s focus on the central conflict between Jim and Margot .
📝 Critical Reception
You’re Cordially Invited has received mixed reviews. On Rotten Tomatoes, it holds a 46% critic score and a 33% audience score . Some critics appreciate the film’s attempt at combining family drama with comedy, while others feel it falls short in delivering consistent laughs .
📺 Streaming Information
The film is available for streaming on Amazon Prime Video.Decider
✅ Verdict
You’re Cordially Invited offers a light-hearted take on wedding mishaps, bolstered by the star power of Ferrell and Witherspoon. However, the film’s reliance on familiar comedic elements and lack of fresh insights may leave viewers seeking more engaging content.