"Ang daming Tao! Ang sang-sang ng amoy! Matagal ko ng pinaghandaan ito...pagkatapos ng ginawa...tandan mo ang pangalan ng taong papatay sayo!" - Eva Candelaria/Lilia Capistrano
Basic Information: Official entry - The 50th Metro Manila Film Festival (MMFF) 2024; Direction: Dan Villegas; Story: Dan Villegas and Dado Dayao; Screenplay: Dodo Dayao; Cast: Vilma Santos (Lilia Capistrano/Eva Candelaria), Aga Muhlach (Guilly Vega), Nadine Lustre (Nicole Vega), Mylene Dizon (Katrina Vega), Tirso Cruz III (Red Zaldarriaga), RK Bagatsing (Jigger Zulueta), Gabby Padilla (Lily Capistrano), Elijah Canlas (Tofy Almario), Lotlot De Leon (Norma Almario), Ketchup Eusebio (Jomar Maitem), Gio Alvarez (Randall Ballesteros), Cholo Barretto (Celso Batac), Ron Angeles (Mark Lozano), Nonie Buencamino (Elmer Gatdula), Sam Samarita (Tanya Gatdula), Jonathan Villoso, Don Melvin Boongaling, Juan Miguel Emmanuel Salvado, Dylan Ray Talon, Lynn Cruz, Netty Inojales, Rania Lindayag, Mia Ayesa, Aljun Fajardo, Michael Dagdag, Jhunar Balintong, Vhon Lopez, Lorie Sanchez, Thor Gomez, Peter Mendijar; Producers: Producers: Dan Villegas, Ronalyn Bana-ag, Antoinette Jadaone, Angel Tomas, Nikka G. Sotelo, Roxan Mendoza, Gio Medina, Francis Lustestica, Joshen Vahn Lee, Allan V. Aldea (Associate Producer), Catsi Catalan, Reign Anne L. De Guzman, Omar Sortijas (Supervising Producers), John Bryan Diamante (Executive Producer); Music Composer: Len Calvo; Cinematography: Pao Orendain; Editor: Marya Ignacio; Production Designer: Michaela Tatad-King; Art Director: Donald Russ Camon; Set Decorator: Bianca Gonzales Dadivas; Costume Designer: Jac Pequena; Theme song: "Hahamakin ang lahat" Composed by Quest, Performed by KZ Tandingan and Arthur Nery; Release date: December 25, 2025 (Philippines); Languages: Tagalog (Filipino); Production companies: Mentorque Productions, Project 8 Projects, Warner Bros. Pictures; Runtime: 1h 33m (93 min) - IMDB; The film is rated R-16 (or R-13 in some territories) for its brutal violence and mature themes, including sexual assault and drug use; Streaming: Following its theatrical run and international screenings (like the Manila International Film Festival/MIFF), the film became available on Netflix in early 2025
Plot Description: Plotting to take down the billionaire responsible for her daughter's death, a woman attends his lavish party disguised as a charming wealthy donor. - Netflix (READ MORE)
Uninvited is a 2024 Philippine mystery crime thriller film co-produced and directed by Dan Villegas from a story and screenplay written by Dodo Dayao. Starring Vilma Santos, Aga Muhlach, and Nadine Lustre, the film revolves around a mother who seeks revenge on a billionaire at his birthday party for being responsible for her daughter's death. (READ MORE)
The film is part of the ten [Lilia Capistrano seeks revenge on billionaire Guilly Vega for killing her daughter. Disguised as Eva Candelaria, she attends his party with a vengeful plan. - IMDB (READ MORE)
Film Achievements: Uninvited premiered at the Manila International Film Festival (MIFF) in Los Angeles on March 6, 2025; 50th Metro Manila Film Festival Winner - Best Float Parade; 50th Metro Manila Film Festival Nominations - Best Actress - Vilma Santos, Best Supporting Actress - Gabby Padilla, Nadine Lustre, Best Cinematography - Pao Orendain, and Best Original Theme Song - "Hahamakin ang Lahat"; 8th Eddy's Awards Winner Best Supporting Actor - Aga Muhlach; 8th Eddy's Awards Nominations: Best Supporting Actress - Nadine Lustre, Best Original Theme Song - "Hahamakin ang Lahat"; FAMAS Awards Winner Best Supporting Actress - Nadine Lustre, Circle of Excellence - Vilma Santos; FAMAS Awards Nominations - Best Picture, Best Director - Dan Villegas, Best Actor - Aga Muhlach, Best Cinematography - Pao Orendain, Best Sound, Best Song - "Hahamakin ang Lahat," Best Musical Score - Len Calvo; 41st PMPC Star Awards for Movies Winner - Movie of the Year, Movie Director of the Year - Dan Villegas, Movie Actor of the Year - Aga Muhlach, Movie Actress of the Year - Vilma Santos, Movie Ensemble Acting of the Year, Movie Cinematographher of the Year - Pao Orendain, Movie Production Designer of the Year - Mic Tatad King; 41st PMPC Star Awards for Movies Nominations: Movie Theme Song of the Year - "Hahamakin ang Lahat," Movie Sound Engineer of the Year - Roy Santos, Movie Musical of the Year - Len Calvo, , Movie Editor of the Year - Marya Ignacio, Movie Screenwriter of the Year - Dado Dayao, Movie Supporting Actress of the Year - Nadine Lustre Source: Wikipedia; The Society of Filipino Film Reviewers (SFFR) 5th Pinoy Rebyu Awards Nominations: Best Lead Performance - Vilma Santos, Best Supporting Performance - Nadine Lustre, Best Ensemble Performances - Vilma Santos, Nadine Lustre, Aga Muhlach, Tirso Cruz III, Mylene Dizon, Lotlot De Leon, RK Bagatsing, Elijah Canlas, Gabby Padilla, Ketchup Eusebio, Gio Alvarez, Cholo Barretto, Ron Angeles, Nonie Buencamino, Samantha Samari, Best Film Editing - Marya Ignacio, Best Film Score - Len Calvo; Trinity University of Asia - 10th Platinum Stallion National Media Awards 2025 (PSNMA) Best Film Actress - Vilma Santos; Movie Actress of the Year 6TH Village Pipol Awards (VPA) Nomination - Vilma Santos
Film Reviews: "Uninvited is a classic tale of revenge. It follows a familiar storyline—a grieving mother, portrayed by Vilma Santos, sets out to avenge the death of her daughter. But there’s nothing ordinary about its execution. From start to finish, I am riveted. Every line is delivered with precision, each movement executed masterfully, and all emotions are so gripping that I find myself wide awake throughout the movie. I’ve seen many remarkable performances from Vilma Santos, but this feels like the culmination of all her finest acting moments. Perhaps it resonates deeply because I’m also a mother, but I'm blown away by Vilma’s performance. Her pain and sadness are palpable. Her pent-up emotions are so carefully restrained that when the moment calls for an explosive outburst, the impact is devastatingly powerful. Nadine Lustre mesmerizes. Her presence is captivating, and her fluent English radiates the sophistication of Fallon Carrington from Dynasty drama series. The gradual development of her character, Nicole, the daughter of the main antagonist, is as compelling. Aga Muhlach wasn’t bluffing when he said, "Kakaibang Aga ang mapapanood niyo rito." Indeed, as Guilly Vega, he delivers a performance like never seen before. Surrounded by all the antagonists, he eclipses them all with his madness and wickedness. Watching him feels like witnessing Al Pacino in the 1997 Hollywood film Devil’s Advocate...overall, Uninvited is a gripping masterpiece worthy of the four rounds of applause it received during its world premiere held on December 23, 2024. Whether you’re looking to release pent-up emotions or simply need an escape, this film delivers—and it’s so f*uckin' good. The 50th Metro Manila Film Festival officially opens on Christmas Day, December 25, with 10 films to be shown simultaneously nationwide..." - Karen A.P. Caliwara, PEP, 24 December 2024 (READ MORE)
Poignant and Relentless - "...Considered a cinematic legend in the Philippines, Vilma Santos has been acting for seven decades already. In Uninvited she continues to prove she still has it in her, with her juiciest role in over a decade. Poignant in scenes with her on-screen daughter but relentless when faced with the people she’s about to kill, Santos effectively shifts between the two personas of Lilia and Eva. Aga Muhlach, who started his career as a matinee idol due to his babyface features, uses them to his advantage by portraying the creepiness of Guilly Vega while hiding behind his deceitful looks. And to complete the triumvirate, Nadine Lustre as Guilly’s traumatized daughter proves why she is the best actress of her generation, holding her own against two acting titans in the film’s pivotal climax..." - Nicol Latayan, International Cinephile Society, 28 Feb 2025 (READ MORE)
Formulaic vigilante movie - "...Santos brings some believable humanity to her role as Lilia. Her performance is the main reason why “Uninvited” isn’t a complete waste of time if you want to watch a formulaic vigilante movie. Unfortunately, all of the other “Uninvited” cast members are either too stiff or over-act in their performances. “Uninvited” slowly lurches along to the inevitable reveal of who are Lilia’s targets besides Guilly and how she plans to get revenge. A mid-credits scene is underwhelming and adds nothing interesting to the movie, which ends very abruptly. It all adds up to a sordid soap opera that has no surprises and is actually quite boring in how everything plays out to the very unimaginative end..." - Carla Hay, Culture Mix, 19 Jan 2025 (READ MORE)
Best Picture - "With a powerhouse cast, you wouldn’t be wrong to expect a lot from Mentorque Productions’ sophomore offering in this year’s Metro Manila Film Festival. The production house already made a big splash in the industry last year with their horror film based on the Philippines’ first documented serial killer, Mallari. In Uninvited, they have proven that they continue to set their standards high in director Dan Villegas’s latest psychological thriller...Vilma plays her role with a perfect mixture of emotion and restraint as a mother who is driven to vengeance powered by sheer pain. Without denying her vulnerable side, she focuses on her goal, no matter the peril that is about to face her. The Star for All Seasons who was hailed as an MMFF Best Actress last year looks like she is gunning for a back-to-back win with her affecting performance in Uninvited...Nadine’s character as Nicole may seem nonchalant at first, but it looks like the actress definitely had a blast playing the entitled yet chronically disgusted daughter who is privy to her dad’s darker side. Nicole’s lines are almost always bitchy and deliciously delivered, with every snarky dialogue sure to delight both Nadine’s old and new fans alike. Her scenes with her dad Aga are exceptionally entertaining as their private moments slowly reveal more details that make sure to excite and add to the tense vibe present throughout the entire film. We love that Aga finally decided to show his full range as an actor, by fully embracing a role that will leave the audience shocked and impressed with his unapologetic portrayal of a man with no soul...From start to finish, Uninvited will keep you on your toes with its tense and thrilling scenes. Prepare to be impressed with direk Dan’s complete fleshing out of characters, from their strengths to even their weaknesses, and most importantly, expect to be entertained with a solid storyline that is a visual and auditory feast worthy of making it to become MMFF”s Best Picture this year." - Rhea Manila Santos, ABS-CBN News, 25 Dec 2024 (READ MORE)
The growth of female protagonists - "...From being uninvited, you’re now invited. The film successfully went from chill to thrill. Adrenaline rush is served. You won’t leave this party empty-handed. Tension gradually escalates until reaching its peak. The climax is earned. There’s instant gratification to what’s happening. All the technical elements in this film are utilized well to create a satisfying sensory experience. Aga Muhlach fits the role. His face is charismastic while his actions are untamed. This contrasting combination works well to his advantage. There are times when it’s already hard to watch him because of his wildness. Yet he delivers without hesitation...Vilma Santos is guilty of making us scream, cry, and applaud. It’ll be a crime if she didn’t win the best actress award for her completely engrossing performance in this film. Masyadong maiksi ang buong palabas. Hindi nasulit ang lahat ng mga aktor. Yung iba sa kanila ay napadaan lang. Mabigat sana ang papel nila sa istorya, ngunit hindi ito naipakita nang lubusan. Hindi lahat ng usapan ay masayang pakinggan. Yung iba ay pampalipas-oras lamang. Halatang pinagbangga lang ang ilang mga karakter para magsama sila sa iisang eksena. Nakakapagtaka rin na ang kaunti ng security para sa isang makapangyarihan na tao. Kulang pa sa kwento ang karakter ni Aga Muhlach. Idinaan na lang niya sa akting ang kakulangan ng kwento. Hindi tuloy naging pantay ang laban. Kung nabigyan ng mas malalim na katauhan ang kalaban, baka mas madagdagan ang kagandahan ng pelikula. Gayunpaman, sapat na ang kanilang nagawa para madala ka sa mga nangyayari...Whether you’re invited or not, this film is a once-in-a-lifetime event that’s worth attending. Gatecrash all you want. Let’s put the fate in our hands and crash the gates of hell. Let’s celebrate the growth of female protagonists in the world of Philippine movies. Eva runs the world. Witness her reign. Don’t you dare rain on her parade..." - Goldwin Reviews, December 2024 (READ MORE)
Lavish and Outrageous - "...Uninvited is Mentorque Productions entry to the 2024 MMFF from their successful film last year 'Mallari'. Now taking things further, they wanted to make a statement with something lavish and outrageous with this movie. From the trailers, we already saw a very feisty Nadine, a ruthless Aga, and a vengeful Vilma. From those characters, I was already sold to watch the film. Aga plays Guilly Vega, a wealthy billionaire who throws an extravagant birthday party with his wife and daughter Nicole (Nadine) along with his partners who were part of underground illegal activities, Vilma is Lilia Capistrano / Eva Candelaria, a mother seeking revenge for the death of her daughter caused by Gully...The dialogue in the movie also hits hard, even harder than the profanity that is spurred almost every minute. Though the scenes will indeed bring out the profanity in us on how intense the story progresses. Guilly (Aga) really feels like a twisted maniac, and it shatters the usual image he has with his previous films. Nicole (Nadine) is so wild and cold caused by the trauma and abuse she had all her life. Eva (Vilma) is so driven and also becomes ruthless with her plans for justice...Uninvited will hit you hard and will make you think that money and power can do really bad things, and justice is just a dream or something you have to prepare as you gatecrash into the house of the devil, err I mean demons. Better have a stress ball in hand while watching as you might want to punch someone of something to vent out some rage or frustration that will build up leading to the final act. Also look out for the mid credit scene that hint for something more..." - Florencio Jusay jr, Manual To Lyf, 25 Dec 2024 (READ MORE)
Smells Like Sequel Brewing - "...The storyline centers on Eva (Vilma Santos), a mother seeking vengeance for her child's death, Lily played by Gabby Padilla. You'd drop jaws at Aga Muhlach's portrayal of a corrupt billionaire and the "gigil" starts at Eva (Vilma) first stare at him. The Star for All Seasons, Vilma Santos delivers a powerful performance as a vengeful mother, while Nadine Lustre's role adds a contemporary edge to the narrative. The two formidable queens looked beautiful and angry. Without a doubt, Aga, Vilma and Nadine deserve nominations. The film's technical aspects, including cinematography inspired by "The Godfather," fluid editing, and an evocative musical score, contribute to its overall impact. While some viewers might find the film's pacing deliberate, the culmination offers a "crazy climax" that has been described as both satisfying and thought-provoking. "Uninvited" stands out in the MMFF lineup for its bold approach to storytelling and its willingness to tackle complex themes, making it a noteworthy addition to Philippine cinema. The movie will make you and your passe discuss the real story and say, "This movie happened in real life and everyone forgot if justice was served" That is one uninvited discussion we should reflect on. Oh Mylene Dizon's character and Tirso Cruz III's are still alive. I wonder what will happen next? It smells a sequel after watching the end-credit teaser..." - Josephine Bonsol, Cogito Ergo Sum, December 2024 (READ MORE)
Thrilling, riveting - "...We all love a good revenge story. We love it even more if it was set up well, allowing for a very satisfactory ending. Uninvited checks both boxes. That it was laid out in a simple and straightforward manner sustained the film’s cause. Film director Dan Villegas did right in applying apparent judiciousness in orchestrating the whole affair. A lesser filmmaker could have easily ruined “Uninvited” given the clear-cut if all-too simple narrative but Villegas knows exactly when to push and when to pull, when to take the edge off and when to hit hard, striking a good balance all throughout. In a nutshell, “Uninvited” is about a simple housewife whose daughter was kidnapped, raped and murdered by a powerful individual and his henchmen. As these things go, justice will ultimately prove itself elusive for the mom and her child, leading to a messy, if all-too brutal rampage of retribution. The film’s anchor, the one and only Vilma Santos, allowed for much restraint in her performance as Eva Candelaria, the film’s avenging angel. And it worked. We were actually fearful that she would utilize the usual verbose approach if only to elucidate the pain and the hatred gripping her character but, no. Her Eva is far from being the screaming, gun-toting Sarah Connor-type of heroine. Soft-spoken, mild-mannered, fearful, we actually wondered how her Eva would pull off her grand plan to execute the film’s villains. The yin to her yang is Aga Muhlach. The actor’s all-too manic interpretation of the vile Guilly Vega, even if it swayed towards being caricaturesque at times, was quite effective, eliciting the exact sentiment needed to pin us viewers to our seats, eager to see his eventual downfall..." - Tempo, 28 December 2024 (READ MORE)
Controlled and Haunting - "...Holding nothing back and going big, his career-defining portrayal magnified the depravity of his character, turning every smirk and gesture into a subtle but chilling revelation. Aga's grand gestures were definitely the perfect complement to Ate Vi's controlled and haunting portrayal. As the layers of the narrative continue to unravel, so do the outstanding performances of the carefully chosen supporting cast. Nadine Lustre's portrayal of Guilly's spoiled and rebellious daughter Nicole and Gabby's rendition of the sweet and simple Lily particularly stand out. Nicole's cold disdain for her father simmers in every glance and clipped line, adding depth to the tension already brewing, thanks to Nadine's nuanced performance, while Lily's quiet sensitivity captures the audience's empathy, as delivered by Gabby. Ate Vi, though, is the film's anchor. Every emotion Eva experiences — from grief to rage, fear and bittersweet relief — courses through the one and only Star for All Seasons with an authenticity that grips the audience. Her ability to switch seamlessly between fragility and ferocity is what makes her journey not just believable but profoundly affecting. Especially so when Eva's mission reaches its crescendo, Ate Vi doesn't just act — she commands, and her audience eagerly savors her triumph. Tying everything together, while the performances shine bright, the technical aspects further elevate the film's impact. "Uninvited" is definitely a feast for the senses. From the deliberate cinematography that captures the cavernous luxury of Gully's mansion to the meticulous sound design that amplifies every creak and whisper, every element employed serves the story well. And again, though the film's initial pacing may test the patience of some viewers, it ultimately proves intentional in the end mirroring the build-up to a truly grand finale..." - Tessa Mauricio-Arriola, The Manila Times, 28 Dec 2024 (READ MORE)
A Fantasy of Justice - "...The film takes a while to get down to business. It is likely that people will see this movie for the sheer novelty of watching Vilma Santos stabbing people (yes, she’s done it before in Tagos ng Dugo but that’s 37 years ago). The movie does give us that, but it saves it all for the final act. It instead has the Star for all Seasons just wandering around this mansion for a while, interacting with the various characters, forming a vague picture of the relationships between the various people involved in this family. What emerges is kind of interesting, but not a whole lot of it really factors into the story that much. We also get flashbacks to what actually happened with her daughter, further explicating on the anger that would lead her to this place. Again: the whole thing is very simple, with practically every scene expounding on how bad Vega really is, and how righteous Lilia is for wanting to kill him. At some point, it does get a bit repetitive: the point has been made over and over, and the fact that very little progress is being made in the present just gets a little frustrating. To be fair, the flashbacks feature some strong work from Gabby Padilla, and that helps things along a bit...But then, the movie does get bloody, and it’s pretty delicious. People get stabbed. People get shot. The blood flows freely, and it feels like the movie gets to exhale. And we get to watch Vilma Santos get to do all that stuff. Not all of it makes sense: at the start of the film, a little bit of voiceover narration from Santos mentions that there’s a lot of security around, and in this climactic battle, they are nowhere to be seen. And there are some things that were set up that don’t pay off much at all. It just feels like there ought to have been more characters involved in this part of the film, and they don’t really show up. But in the end, it’s still a good time. Uninvited goes over-the-top, but it seems to understand something about the helplessness that people feel when confronted by the impunity of the powerful and the corrupt. It gives us a vessel in Vilma Santos to release some of that helplessness, playing at a fantasy of justice that doesn’t really seem possible in a normal Filipino’s life." - Philbert Dy, Spot, 27 Dec 2024 (READ MORE)
Darker than Dark - "...I’ve never seen a Vilma Santos starrer on the big screen. The first time was during a special screening of Uninvited on Christmas Day at Cinema 3 of Gateway Mall in Cubao. No, it’s not because I don’t like her nor her films. Neither is it because I’m a dyed-in-the wool Noranian. So, why? It’s because I’m not really a film buff. It’s because I am a sucker for Hollywood action movies that star Jason Statham, Jackie Chan, Cynthia Rothrock and Jet Li. I like slam-bang action more and drama less. That’s how it is and always been for me. The only time I get to watch Santos’ movies is when they’re shown on TV or when I browse the Internet. Clearly, Santos gave a nuanced performance in Uninvited. She perfectly foiled any attempt to make herself look glamorous. Her age is clearly defined in her role as Eva Candelaria...Santos has a clear and better grip of her character as a mother who vows to avenge her daughter’s traumatic death. While she’s done this before in Tagos ng Dugo, this time, Santos is not the victim herself and she goes to great lengths to clearly define the two roles apart. What’s highly palpable in this obra maestra by Dan Villegas is the way Santos’ character is presented and the way it is navigated in the course of less than 24 hours. Santos flips through her role with characteristic panache and clearly she’s a shoo-in for the best actress plum. Actually, it’s the ensemble acting that sets Uninvited apart from other festival-quality films. Aga Muhlach is unforgettable in the entire acting exercise. He is presented in a never-before-seen scenario that he convincingly portrays with aplomb. Muhlach plays his character with characteristic chutzpah, the kind that will jolt you in your seat. Nadine Lustre may have just a few scenes but she gallops in these with natural flair. Overall, Uninvited is a very dark movie that naturally seeps through the crisp-as-linen dialogues, nuanced personifications and a no-holds-barred narrative that is darker than dark..." - Alex Brosas, Daily Tribune, 26 Dec 2024 (READ MORE)
Brutal Injustice, Vengeance - "...From the get-go, the Metro Manila Film Festival (MMFF) 2024 entry, “Uninvited,” is an emotional battleground that aims to explore all the disturbing themes that can happen in a community, from murders and sexual assaults to the rich getting way with their crimes. This film is visibly a tough movie in spots as everything is heightened to get on the viewers’ nerves. The story centers on a grieving mother, Lilia, aka Eva Candelaria (Vilma Santos), and her relentless pursuit of justice for her daughter, Lily (Gabby Padilla), who is brutally murdered and sexually assaulted by billionaire Guilly (Aga Muhlach). After more than 50 years in the industry, Santos refuses to demote her star status. The Star for All Seasons doesn’t just act; she embodies every emotion. In “Uninvited,” Santos becomes a vision of torment as a mother robbed of her child. Lily represents purity and innocence, while its derivative Lilia symbolizes rebirth and, sometimes, “night” or darkness. After seeing Lily’s light dim, we witness Lilia’s quest for justice and her transition to becoming Eva, the giver of life, except that in this film, she is the taker, snatching them away one by one with seeming poetry. We could literally hear the collective sigh of relief and heave of satisfaction every time one villain falls, providing the viewers with their much-needed catharsis before they file out of the cinema. Santos’ performance elevates the ordinary material into a heartbreaking narrative. Every tremor in her voice, every tear shed stab at the heart of the viewers as if they had been right smack in that very scene, and could literally feel her grief behind the screen. Now this is hardly novel for the veteran artist who has done other slasher films, such as the critically acclaimed “Tagos ang Dugo,” but “Uninvited” allows one to see Santos in a new light...However, “Uninvited” isn’t without its flaws. While the film’s emotional impact is clear, it misses an opportunity to delve deeper into the motivations of its characters, and the broader societal implications of the crime are left underexplored. There are also some instances where one might feel the sense of rush in between the scenes, like the production is trying to put everything all at once. Despite this shortcoming, the film still delivers a gut-wrenching story that raises difficult questions about vengeance, morality and the price of sin. It is brave enough to tackle the uncomfortable truth about all the wrongdoings rampant in the world and how people are often capable of doing the unspeakable things in pursuit of justice. Even if it leaves a few unanswered questions in its wake, “Uninvited” is a raw examination of the inherent darkness that can exist within humanity. From the beginning, the intention of the film is to send out the message that sometimes one’s silver lining can be had when justice is served, and one just has to take action to achieve that..." - Jessica Ann Evangelista, Inquirer, 26 Dec 2024 (READ MORE)
Avending Angel - "...Yes, most of us have seen this movie before. And yes, seeing an elderly woman (Vilma is now 71) seeking vigilante justice does require some suspension of disbelief. I won’t be surprised, though, if anyone who has experienced Lilia’s distressing loss would muster enough strength to take her offenders down. And just like the crowd at the film’s advanced screening, I’m willing to bet that audiences will likely cheer and applaud Ate Vi whenever she eliminates one of the bad guys. And yes, spoiler alert, she will eliminate most of them in that single night. Casting actors against type is what sets “Uninvited” apart from other revenge flicks. We don’t always get to see Ate Vi as an avenging angel, the last and perhaps only other time was 37 years ago with “Tagos ng Dugo.” And the last time we saw Aga Muhlach this bad was when he took on the dastardly role of a serial killer in “Sa Aking Mga Kamay” way back in 1996...I wished Ate Vi’s Eva slash Lilia had offed each of these bastards in more creative ways and under different circumstances, but that would probably be a logistical nightmare given the busy schedules of its lead stars. As it is and even with some noticeable but negligible plot holes, “Uninvited” remains one of the standout entries in what is shaping up to be one of the better MMFF editions in recent years. Well-acted, nicely photographed, deftly edited, and aptly scored, I’m not at all surprised the film is already among the festival’s top-grossers this early. Rating: 3.5 out of 4." - Edwin P. Sallan, Business Mirror, 27 December 2024 (READ MORE)
Vigilante Star For All Seasons - "...Move over, Charles Bronson of Death Wish, take a hike, Liam Neeson of Taken! Vilma Santos is now in the house. And she’s laying claim to the title of vigilante star, manifesting the role of mild-mannered widowed Mom on a mission of vengeance and vigilante justice for the rape and murder of her only child/daughter...And what can we say about Vilma Santos? Who else can make the audience erupt into cheering and applause as she repeatedly stabs to death one of the goons of Guilly Vega? Or when she runs over a person three times? Pao Orendain handles the cinematography, and shafts of light and focus offset a dark, murky atmosphere. It all helps create a claustrophobic sense of imminent doom - whether this is the doom of Lily and her boyfriend at the hands of Guilly and his henchmen or the doom that will descend on Guilly as Lilia plays the avenging angel. If I have to level some criticism on the film, I’d point out the very one-dimensional portrayal of the very rich. They all smoke, they all take drugs, and they all have a callous disregard for others. No one on that side has any arc. And we don’t see the steps by which Lilia decided to take justice into her own hands or how she got invited to the birthday bash and amassed the cash needed to be noticed. A Warner Brothers, Mentorque, and Project 8 co-production, the film will have premieres abroad, and I can only guess it will eventually surface on Max, the Warner streaming platform. If you like your justice-meted-out vigilante style, completely disregarding the rule of law or asking law enforcers to do their job, this is the perfect MMFF film to watch. I enjoyed watching Aga have fun going overboard with his Guilly and appreciated how Vilma was doing something entirely different for her at this stage in her illustrious career..." - Philip Cu Unjieng, Manila Bulletin, 24 Dec 2024 (READ MORE)
Gatecrashes - "...Meanwhile, female rage roles are nothing new to Santos’ catalog. She has helmed similar parts like in Maryo J. de los Reyes’ Tagos ng Dugo and Chito Roño’s Ikaw Lang. In Uninvited, she’s a dynamite, summoning the endurance of those past lives to make way for a maternal figure who’s committed to see her mission through to the bitter end, but remains fundamentally human. But much like its premise and protagonist, Uninvited gatecrashes its way into meaningful insights. It is too contained in its own scheming, in its impressive array of stars, to come up with a story that doesn’t belie a profound critique, or feel like a bloated climax. Simply synthetic." - Lé Baltar, Rolling Stone Philippines, 03 January 2025 (READ MORE)
Compelling - "...Vilma Santos delivers a masterclass in acting, as expected from the “Star for All Seasons.” This is arguably her most compelling role since Ekstra (2012). Her portrayal is nuanced and commanding, although her stiffness during gunfight scenes slightly detracts from the intensity of those moments. Aga Muhlach shines in his villainous role, a rare but fitting choice for him. This performance rivals his chilling portrayal in Sa Aking Mga Kamay as a psychopathic serial killer. However, his character here is even more despicable—"mas baboy at walang hiya"—eliciting visceral hatred from the audience every time he appears on screen. Gabby Padilla is a revelation, holding her own alongside a powerhouse like Santos. Their mother-daughter scenes are among the film’s emotional highlights. On the other hand, Nadine Lustre and RK Bagatsing feel underutilized. Their characters' struggles deserved more depth and screen time to fully resonate with the audience. On the technical side, the film excels in cinematography and musical scoring, both of which enhance its moody, suspenseful atmosphere. However, the story's pacing falters toward the climax...Rating: 3/5" - Ralph Lawrence G. Llemit, Sun Star, 05 Jan 2025 (READ MORE)
Thrilling and Dramatic - "..With a star studded cast consisting of Vilma Santos, Nadine Lustre, and Aga Muhlach, Uninvited is set to be one of the more thrilling and dramatic entries in this year’s festival. Little is known about the plot yet, except that Santos’ character Lilia/Eva is set on getting revenge from billionaire Guilly played by Muhlach. The idea for the film, which will tackle sensitive topics such as physical abuse and violence, originated from Santos herself.." - Mel Wang, Rolling Stone Philippines, 30 November 2024 (READ MORE)
PRESS RELEASES
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