Uninvited

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.

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.

It's the most satisfying entry I've seen so far. This cinematic gem, being the first in the country to use the custom-built Cooke Anamorphic Full Frame Special Flare lenses, which is commonly used by Hollywood productions.

The cast?

Vilma Santos-Recto delivers the best performance of her career and it's a travesty that she didn't even get nominated for Best Actress. Aga Muhlach is the man you will love to hate! A different Aga Muhlach! And Nadine Lustre slays despite her limited role. The whole movie is not complete without her.

'Uninvited' is a genuinely must-see, solid revenge-thriller. I'm hoping for a sequel.

Uninvited is undeniably a campy affair, but it's at least enjoyably so. So satisfying is the idea of watching Ate Vi take out a group of disposable villainous archetypes half her age that you can almost forgive the movie for being so predictable. Almost.

Dan Villegas' revenge flick revolves around Eva Candelaria (Vilma Santos), a mysterious woman who arrives at the birthday party of a wealthy man, Guilly (Aga Muhlach), who, a decade earlier, murdered her daughter. Eva has come to settle the score and exact her revenge.

While the premise holds promise, the film struggles to deliver a satisfying payoff. Dodo Dayao's script takes its time establishing Eva's vendetta, but all this buildup to the climactic party confrontation feels drawn out and, unfortunately, predictable. The stakes are never fully heightened, and what should be a cathartic moment of reckoning instead falls flat due to a lack of tension and urgency. The action itself lacks finesse, and the film's resolution feels as though it's simply going through the motions, leaving little room for emotional payoff.

Despite its narrative missteps, Uninvited is still worth watching, thanks in large part to the performances of Vilma Santos and Aga Muhlach. Santos fully embodies the vengeful mother turned vigilante, imbuing Eva with both strength and vulnerability, making her journey compelling even when the script falters. On the other hand, Muhlach relishes his role as the over-the-top villain, bringing a sense of glee to his character's evil deeds. Their chemistry and contrasting performances, while limited to the climax, inject some much-needed energy into the film.

While the movie stumbles to deliver the impact it promises, Uninvited still earns a seat at the table, thanks to the commanding performance of its leads, even as the material around them fizzles out. It may not be the must-see event in theaters it aspires to be, but it's definitely a fun watch for a streaming session.