Uninvited

Uninvited had all the ingredients for a chilling thriller, but unfortunately, the execution fell flat. The lead character was unconvincing and felt unconvincing, relying heavily on excessive profanity instead of depth or emotional nuance. The casting was simply off. The character came across as more performative than believable, which broke the immersion completely.

One of the biggest missed opportunities was the ending. It felt unresolved. At the very least, the film could've shown the victims' IDs or photos being found in Vega's house to bring some closure and justice to the storyline. Without it, the payoff is hollow.

And what about the daughter? Her character arc felt forgotten. I kept waiting to see what she did next, what impact she had on the final outcome, but it was left vague and incomplete. For a film centered around tension and survival, the emotional payoff was missing entirely. The emotional weight of the film, the fear, the grief, the trauma, was barely there. It lacked the kind of layered performances that make you feel for the victims and fear the villain. The villain is not convincing. A thriller without emotional stakes is just noise, and sadly, that's what much of this movie turned into.

This could have been a powerful, unsettling film - but it needed better casting, more restraint with the script, and a far more thoughtful ending.

It doesn't hold back on trying to be suitable for mass consumption or appealing to the general audience.

It has its flaws, such as some situations being unrealistic (I won't go into detail to avoid spoilers) and some scenes in the ending feeling a bit anti-climactic, but the build-up was really good.

The casting (the assigning of actors to the characters) was great and very "surprising," to say the least, with an interesting combination of actors: Aga Muhlach, Vilma Santos, Nadine Lustre, Tirso Cruz III, Mylene Dizon, RK Bagatsing, and Elijah Canlas. This one didn't feel like they picked characters at random-the chemistry was really there, and I would've loved to see more of it in a TV series.

Notable mentions for acting go to Aga Muhlach, whose hysterical behavior and performance were so good that he was genuinely intimidating and maddening. Definitely a strong contender for the Best Actor award.

I loved the set, cinematography, and overall atmosphere of the film - it was modern yet vintage. It's one of a kind and the production team really nailed it with the high-society crime vibes. I think Filipinos have truly nailed making movies cinematic, and this one is solid proof.

Another notable mention is the accompaniment of cinematography and VFX to create industry-leading violence and gore. It didn't look "unprofessional"; in fact, it's quite a step forward in terms of execution.

In terms of plot, it's not the most unique (see synopsis), but an execution worth watching.

Again, I'd like to reiterate how much I appreciate the direction the movie industry is taking. They are becoming bolder and bolder, moving away from the typical "family-friendly" movies, and I believe Uninvited will go down in the history books for this shift.

Overall, an industry-leading Filipino movie for those into crime, thrillers, vintage aesthetics, violence, and a bit of gore. It's still some ways off compared to Western production, however.

Vilma Santos delivers yet another masterful performance in Uninvited, a mystery-suspense thriller that cements her legacy as one of Philippine cinema's most versatile actresses. Directed by Dan Villegas, the film weaves a gripping narrative of secrets, betrayals, and unexpected twists, keeping audiences on the edge of their seats from start to finish.

Santos portrays a strong, enigmatic character who unravels layers of deception with her sharp instincts and emotional depth. Her performance is both restrained and powerful, seamlessly balancing vulnerability and strength. The supporting cast, including Aga Muhlach and Nadine Lustre, complements Santos's magnetic screen presence, creating a dynamic ensemble that elevates the story's intensity.

The film's cinematography is equally compelling, with Villegas capturing dark, atmospheric visuals that enhance the suspense. The score is haunting yet subtle, perfectly matching the film's tone without overpowering its emotional beats. The screenplay is taut and intelligent, with dialogues that resonate long after the credits roll.

While Uninvited may not fit the mold of traditional crowd-pleasers, it stands out as a meticulously crafted piece of cinema. Its narrative complexity and layered performances make it a strong contender for recognition in award-giving bodies. Santos proves once again that she can tackle challenging roles with ease, delivering a performance that lingers in the minds of viewers.

Uninvited is more than just a suspense film-it's a testament to the enduring power of storytelling and the artistry of one of Philippine cinema's finest icons. It's a must-watch for fans of the genre and anyone who appreciates nuanced, character-driven narratives.

10/10.

"Uninvited" is surprisingly disturbing for a mainstream film. This movie one of the best Filipino Rape Revenge ever! The film is about a mother who avenges her daughter from a wealthy merciless man. I don't have any complaints about this movie as this film is solid from start to finish. The cast are intense and it feels like they are racing each other when it comes to the acting department so everyone stands out. Aga Mulach is brilliant as a merciless villain. Vilma Santos is perfectly portrayed in her role as brilliant! Even Nadine Lustre, I won't spoil her character but she brilliantly justifies her role. The direction is at best. The one night moment setting works! The costumes are topnotch and elegant together with cinematography.

Overall, "Uninvited" is an instant classic Filipino movie! The name Eva Candelaria will soon become Vilma Santos' one of her iconic roles. The film is never afraid to go darker and brutally intense. This is definitely a must see Filipino movie this year!

It's the most satisfying entry I've seen so far. This cinematic gem, being the first in the country to use the custom-built Cooke Anamorphic Full Frame Special Flare lenses, which is commonly used by Hollywood productions.

The cast?

Vilma Santos-Recto delivers the best performance of her career and it's a travesty that she didn't even get nominated for Best Actress. Aga Muhlach is the man you will love to hate! A different Aga Muhlach! And Nadine Lustre slays despite her limited role. The whole movie is not complete without her.

'Uninvited' is a genuinely must-see, solid revenge-thriller. I'm hoping for a sequel.