UNINVITED

Uninvited (MMFF 2024)

Directed by: Dan Villegas

Sa unang bahagi, pakiramdam mo ay uninvited ka sa mga eksena. Naglalakad ang bida at hindi mo pa alam kung ano ang gusto niyang mangyari. Ngunit simula ng pinapasok niya tayo sa kanyang buhay, doon nagkaroon ng gigil at saya ang lahat.

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.

Nonie Buencamino’s appearance may be brief, but his performance lingers. Mylene Dizon’s presence is strong and intimidating. RK Bagatsing remained in character throughout. Nadine Lustre’s acting in this particular film is underwhelming. Elijah Canlas and Tirso Cruz III are underutilized.

No other actress can bring this character to life like Gabby Padilla. Rich emotional depth is evident in her facial expressions. She’s a fine gem in the industry.

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.

Malaking tulong na naririnig mo ang boses ng pangunahing karakter na si Eva sa pelikulang ito. Nakakatuwa at nakakaaawa minsan ang kanyang iniisip. Dahil alam mo kung saan siya nanggagaling, sasamahan mo siya sa kanyang paglalakbay. Dahil sa husay ng pagganap ni Vilma Santos, tiyak na madadala at mapapalakpak ka para sa kanya. She is the main character who’s worth rooting for.

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.

𝗨𝗡𝗜𝗡𝗩𝗜𝗧𝗘𝗗

Rating: 4/5

Cast: Vilma Santos, Aga Muhlach, Nadine Lustre, Gabby Padilla, Mylene Dizon, RK Bagatsing, Elijah Canlas, Gio Alvarez, Ketchup Eusebio, Cholo Barretto, Ron Angeles, Lotlot de Leon, Tirso Cruz III

Written by: Dodo Dayao

Presented by: Mentorque Productions, Project 8 Projects

Release Date: December 25, 2024 in Philippine cinemas nationwide

A Movie Review by: Goldwin Reviews

POSSIBLE NOMINATIONS:

• Best Picture

• Best Director

• Best Screenplay

• Best Actress (Vilma Santos)

• Best Actor (Aga Muhlach)

• Best Supporting Actress (Gabby Padilla)

• Best Supporting Actor (Nonie Buencamino)

• Best Production Design

• Best Editing

• Best Musical Scoring

• Best Sound Design

• Best Themesong

• Best Ensemble