Gripping,” “mind-blowing,” “wicked,” are just some of the words one can use to describe “Uninvited,” a drama thriller in the 50th Metro Manila Film Festival (MMFF).
Other than its superb star-studded cast, this is certainly not the usual MMFF entry of recent years. The dialog has curse words. At the onset, the story of a grieving mother seeking justice seems like a tearjerker; but, it turns out, this tale is very harrowing. Its themes of crime, revenge and sex are not the stuff that Christmas movies are made of. Its R-16 rating automatically excludes the family audience that the MMFF seeks to attract each year. In keeping with the dark premise, the main location is in a dimly-lit mansion where all the occupants are wearing black.
Yet, we should thank the MMFF screening committee for choosing “Uninvited.” And, congratulations are in order for the cast, filmmakers and producer Mentorque Productions for coming up with a riveting movie.
Everyone in the cast is excellent. It was like each one mastered their respective characters and portrayed them to the hilt while letting their co-stars shine. Vilma Santos said she had always wanted to do a movie where the story happens in 24 hours and her role unravels as the story progresses. As Eva/ Lilia, the gate crasher at the 55th birthday of Guilly Vega (played by Aga Muhlach), the “Star for All Seasons” accomplishes all that and more. What makes her feat more admirable is that she was committed to the physical demands of her character.
Nadine Lustre’s numerous acting awards is certainly no fluke. Fans and critics will be mind-blown with how Nadine fully inhabited the character of Nicole, the strong-willed daughter of Guilly.
Doing something different from their previous projects is every actor’s desire, more so for those who’ve been in the limelight for years like Aga Muhlach. As the despicable Guilly, the matinee idol successfully reinvents himself as a villain. Getting accolades will just be the icing on the cake for Aga.
Props also go to Marya Ignacio for the seamless editing, Pao Orendain for the understated cinematography that heightens mood, and Michaela Tatad-King for the production design especially of the mansion scenes that echo modern Hollywood glam. Len Calvo’s musical score is complementary and forthright.
Screenwriter Dodo Dayao has crafted a compelling tale that maximizes the gifts of the cast and keeps the audience at the edge of their seats. (Though we missed the reason why Guilly became the depraved man that he is, that is a detail we are willing to overlook.)
If our research is correct, “Uninvited” might be director Dan Villegas’ first drama thriller film and just his 13th film since he, a cinematographer, began directing in 2010. “Uninvited” stays true to his body of work of interesting, high concept stories that are entertaining, accessible and have that personal quality. His is a distinct voice that will surely make waves in the industry for years to come.
