UNINVITED (2024) Review
Directed by Dan Villegas
It’s probably because of her age, I mean no offense to the Star of All Seasons but Ms. Vilma Santos doing a character who throws herself in a very dangerous situation makes ‘Uninvited’ already exciting. You’re already sure you’re in for an edge-of-your-seat movie experience just by hearing Vilma Santos and revenge in one sentence. But thankfully there’s more.
From Santos’ story to Dodo Dayao’s screenplay, ‘Uninvited’ manages to create a solid build up emotionally and visually as they take the audiences to Eva Candelaria’s rise to revenge. It’s not perfect, having a non-linear story makes the first half of the film a bit rocky. But nevertheless, it didn’t affect its thrilling climax.
The strength of the film is easily its cast. It’s Vilma Santos in her deadliest, Aga Muhlach in his baddest and Nadine Lustre in her cuntiest. And when you have Santos, Muhlach and Lustre along with veteran actors like Lotlot de Leon, Mylene Dizon, Nonie Buencamino, Ketchup Eusebio, RK Bagatsing, Gio Alvarez and promising young actors Elijah Canlas and Gabby Padilla, it’s no surprise the film will deliver some of the best scenes in Philippine cinema this 2024.
It’s in a way cathartic, releasing your inner frustrations to corrupt officials, to people who think highly of themselves and those who are evil. ‘Uninvited’ will not waste a minute in giving the audience a taste of what revenge of a mourning mother is like. You will root for Santos’ triumph because it’s way past forgiving your enemy for Eva, and she must take matters into her own hands. It may have some questionable choices and maybe some missing scenes but that satisfying ending makes every issues in the film minor issues.
‘Uninvited’ delivers what is promised – a suspenseful story of revenge with performances unlike anything from its cast, led by Vilma Santos.
4 OUT OF 5 STARS
‘Uninvited’ is an official entry to the 50th Metro Manila Film Festival. Now showing in cinemas nationwide from Mentorque Productions and Project 8 Projects. Rated R-16 by the MTRCB. #UninvitedMMFF