Uninvited

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.

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!

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.

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.

"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!