AFTER a six-year hiatus from filmmaking to direct multiple television series, Dan Villegas makes a grand return to the big screen with “Uninvited,” a star-studded psychological thriller that’s part of the 10-film lineup of the 50th Metro Manila Film Festival (MMFF).

The 93-minute film exhibits a revenge plot through the gripping story of Eva Candelaria (played by Vilma Santos) a mother seeking justice against Guilly Vega (Aga Muhlach), a wealthy man responsible for her daughter Lily’s death years earlier.

Before discussing the film in detail, it’s important to note that “Uninvited” carries an R-16 rating due to its themes of sexual assault and rape.

One of the film’s highlights is the performance of Santos, the “Star for All Seasons,” who portrays a mother out for blood. It’s a sharp turn from her 2023 MMFF role as an overseas Filipino worker in the diaspora romance, ​​“When I Met You In Tokyo.”

“Uninvited” often spells out what happens next in the story, but the film makes up for the predictability with exceptional performances, precise storytelling, and commendable editing. All this keep the viewers engaged, even if they can already tell how the story ends.

The film’s setting is grand but at the same time restricted, though it can be argued that it’s all the story ever needed. “Uninvited” takes place in the regal residence of Vega, who is celebrating his birthday with an opulent celebration reminiscent of the Great Gatsby.

Flashbacks of what happened to Lily before she was killed are interspersed throughout the film, with some recollections cutting through a present-day scene, amping up the intensity and the emotional impact of the sequence.

The characters are brought to life by an ensemble cast that includes Nadine Lustre, Mylene Dizon, Lotlot de Leon, and Nonie Buencamino. Their performances evoke empathy from moviegoers, drawing them closely to Candelaria’s quest for vengeance.

“Uninvited” also explores the various responses to injustice. Unlike Candelaria who opts for vengeance, other victims of Vega’s violence either succumb to bribes or flee the country, thinking all legal action will be an exercise in futility.

Fleshing out these responses are the other socialites who attend Vega’s party, including his wife and daughter, who decide to turn a blind eye to injustices for financial gain or endure them out of fear of speaking up.

Fans of thriller and slasher genres will definitely find “Uninvited” compelling, especially its attempt to dabble around social disparities and the psychological toll that loss and trauma can inflict on a person. The film vividly portrays how pain and anger can drive individuals — even a senior citizen — to do the unthinkable.

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