Vilma Santos and Aga Muhlach’s boldest roles yet

When Philippine cinema titans Vilma Santos and Aga Muhlach tell you that you will see them as never before in the 2024 Metro Manila Film Festival entry “Uninvited,” you better believe it. Having watched the world premiere of this crime thriller from Mentorque Productions last December 23, I can guarantee that what they say isn’t just the usual promotional hype.

As the film begins in the shadowed corners of opulence and despair, Ate Vi and Aga deliver performances so transformative that they redefine what it means for an artist to step into roles that genuinely push boundaries.

Aga Muhlach’s unflinching take on the depraved billionaire Guilly Vega, a man whose daughter Nicole, played by Nadine Lustre, has every reason to despise.

It is Ate Vi’s Eva Candelaria, cloaked in elegance and carrying the weight of 10 years of grief and vengeance, who sets the pace of this sinister narrative. She strides through the scene in measured steps to attend the lavish 55th birthday celebration of Aga’s billionaire Guilly Vega. A man whose wealth and charm barely conceal the rot beneath his surface, he is responsible for the death of Eva’s only child — her beloved daughter Lily, portrayed by Gabby Padilla, whose precious life she is there to bring to justice.

The crime thriller’s director, Dan Villegas, with his sterling lead cast at ‘Uninvited’s’ world premiere at the Megamall Cinemas. PHOTOS FROM MENTORQUE PRODUCTIONS

While the flashbacks could have offered more to fully establish the backstory of mother and daughter Eva and Lily and the unbreakable depth of their bond, the film’s brilliant musical score comes to the rescue, keeping audiences on the edge of their seats and thoroughly intrigued.

The same can be said of Aga’s dark inclination. Still, in hindsight, although nothing explicit was shown nor heavy-handed dialogue used to establish his perversion, the seasoned actor expertly rose to the challenge and delivered his role to the hilt. 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.

Now, the MMFF’s Gabi Ng Parangal is yet to unfold as of press time, but given all this, it won’t come as a surprise if “Uninvited” sweeps more than quite a few awards. So if you haven’t seen it yet, go gatecrash one of the festival’s most popular films at a cinema near you.