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.

A seethe-drenched drama of vengeance and redemption, "Uninvited" explores the well-worn story of crime, retribution and justice attained. Set in modern day Metro Manila, the film focuses its unwavering lens on a birthday party held at night by a local billionaire in his mansion attended by sycophantic guests, his trusted thugs and his long-suffering dysfunctional family. With a genteel and serene air of faded twilight and nocturnal clarity evoking a period pre-war vibe, scene after scene paves way for a solitary aged woman mingling in the gathering hell bent on revenge.

With a star-studded cast of Vilma Santos-Recto, Aga Muhlach and Nadine Lustre leading the helm the film shines with brimming intensity. Santos-Recto is fine as the wronged and bereaved mother with facial enhancement plumping and diminishing that once cute and buoyant visage. The overweight yet still boyish-looking Aga Muhlach delivers as the unhinged criminally multitasking tycoon while sexy and exotic 'though less appealing Nadine Lustre is quite there portraying the abused and broken yet conscience maintaining poor rich girl. Good direction, an able supporting cast and the taut, bile-spitooned script provide a panorama of real life and the underworld with the nefarious characters, vulgar-ridden Filipino and English language hybrid ("Taglish"), brutalized victims and rage-filled beatings and deaths where every stab is the equivalent of a parent's hate fuelled by the death and violation of a child.

A simple yet effectively shown tale of evil and its price mitigated by the leveling power of righteous justice, "Uninvited" shows and proves the maturity and quality of contemporary Philippine cinema and the long way it has come from its crude and limited origins. See this.

Lily (played by Gabby Padilla) ruined the movie. Her appearance doesn't suit the role of a college girl-she looks too old for it

Gabby Padilla's portrayal of Lily in the film significantly detracted from the overall experience due to a noticeable mismatch between her physical appearance and the character she was meant to portray. As a college student, Lily was expected to embody a youthful, energetic presence, but Padilla's mature look made the role feel unrealistic and distracting. Her appearance did not convincingly align with the typical image of a college girl, which disrupted the immersion and made it difficult to fully engage with the story. This casting choice ultimately undermined the film's credibility and left a lasting negative impression.

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.

The movie runs for just 1 hour and 33 minutes, so the pacing was fast. The plot is simple but intense: a mother out for justice after the brutal rape and murder of her daughter and the daughter's boyfriend.

Vilma Santos proves once again why she's the Star for All Seasons. You can really feel every bit of her emotion-grief, rage, strength. And surprise, surprise: Aga Muhlach! I grew up knowing him as the classic heartthrob, but here, he plays a messed-up family man with a selfish, pleasure-seeking lifestyle. You'll really hate his character...which means he did a great job!

The cast is solid-Mylene Dizon and Tirso Cruz are here too, though I wish Tirso had more screen time. As for Nadine Lustre, this was my first time seeing her act. Not sure if the poker face is part of the role or her signature expression?

All in all, the film is raw, bloody, and gripping. Worth the watch!