‘Uninvited’ REVIEW: An ambitious revenge thriller about a mother scorned
‘Uninvited’ REVIEW: An ambitious revenge thriller about a mother scorned
Vilma Santos as Lilia Capistrano/Eva Candelaria in Uninvited | Still taken from the film’s official trailer on YouTube
As the famous Shakespeare quote goes, “Hell hath no fury like a woman scorned.” Dan Villegas’ Uninvited embodies this adage, but takes it a step further, proving that enraging a mother — especially one fueled by grief and vengeance — is a new level of peril.
Uninvited invites audiences to an adrenaline-filled ride that explores a variation of themes, from family, grief, sexual assault, murder, to a mother’s love and wrath; creating a story that is both gripping and thrilling.
The story centers on Lilia (Vilma Santos), a grieving mother consumed by a singular goal: avenging her daughter’s abduction, sexual assault, and brutal murder. Her target is the despicable billionaire Guilly Vega (Aga Muhlach), a man whose wealth and influence shield him from accountability. On his lavish 55th birthday celebration, Lilia infiltrates his inner circle under the alias, Eva Candelaria. Armed with a plan and unrelenting resolve, she sets out to dismantle Guilly’s empire and exact her revenge by taking him and his lackeys out.
At first glance, Eva appears to be a gentle and unassuming woman, seemingly incapable of violence, even to a fly. Her foundation, which aids survivors of sexual assault, positions her as a paragon of compassion. The man of the hour, Guilly, oblivious to the storm brewing beneath Eva’s calm exterior, is a patron of this organization to help position himself as the charitable and philanthropic affluent man. However, as the night progresses, Eva transforms into a relentless, vengeful mother who is determined to “leave no one alive,” fulfilling a haunting promise to her daughter.
Aga Muhlach as Guilly Vega in Uninvited | Still taken from the film’s official trailer on YouTube
While the revenge thriller genre is far from unexplored territory, Uninvited is ambitious in its attempts to elevate its narrative with unexpected twists and shocking moments. These efforts, though commendable, occasionally falter, with some surprises feeling overdone or predictable. Nevertheless, the film’s most compelling draw lies in its casting of Vilma Santos as the vengeful protagonist. Seeing the beloved “Ate Vi” as a mother hell-bent on justice is a cinematic treat that more than compensates for the film’s occasional missteps.
With its powerhouse of a cast, Uninvited is undeniably packed with a lot of great performances. Santos shines as Lilia, seamlessly portraying her journey from grieving parent to unyielding avenger. Nadine Lustre stands out as a scene-stealer, although her character’s excessive use of profanity occasionally comes off as pa-edgy. Aga Muhlach is also effective as the film’s antagonist, portraying a duplicitous billionaire whose charitable facade masks a monstrous reality.
The supporting cast also deserves recognition for their performances. Gabby Padilla plays Lily with an innocence that makes her tragic fate even more heartbreaking, while Elijah Canlas, Mylene Dizon, Lotlot De Leon, and Tirso Cruz III bring depth and nuance to the storytelling.
At a brisk 90 minutes, Uninvited maintains a tight-paced rhythm that keeps viewers hooked. However, this brevity comes at the expense of deeper storytelling. Lilia’s revenge mission, while emotionally gripping, lacks the depth one might expect from a character who apparently has spent years planning her retribution. Early in the film, she admits to simply “winging it,” a choice that undermines the weight of her motivations. As a revenge thriller, putting the main character onto the battlefield with no real game plan seems like a cop out. A bit more polishing on her preparation and execution could have enriched the narrative and heightened the stakes.
One of the movie’s most significant missteps lies in its treatment of sexual assault, a central theme of the story. While it acknowledges the gravity of the issue, the film fails to offer new or meaningful insights. At a time where countless films and shows have already tackled this topic, it’s high time movies start to address sexual assault, and, in this case, human trafficking, as a societal problem rather than a mere plot device. Uninvited stops short of delving into the complexities of the subject, leaving viewers wanting more substance.
Despite its flaws, Uninvited succeeds in keeping viewers on the edge of their seats, delivering the tension and unpredictability that make thrillers so enjoyable. Villegas skillfully scatters subtle clues throughout the film, allowing audiences to piece together the puzzle rather than spoon-feeding every detail. By the time the credits roll, certain questions remain unanswered, adding another layer of mystery to the film — a deliberate choice that invites viewers to theorize and debate.
‘Uninvited’ is currently showing in select cinemas as part of the 2024 Metro Manila Film Festival until January 7, 2025.
