MANILA – Veteran actress Vilma Santos and award-winning star Nadine Lustre promise to deliver raw and intense performances in their upcoming film “Uninvited.” The film, set to premiere at the 2024 Metro Manila Film Festival (MMFF), delves into family secrets and disturbing themes during the course of a 24-hour party.
Nadine Lustre on Breaking Boundaries
Lustre described her character, Nicole, as a stark departure from her previous roles.
“Nicole is kind of extreme. She’s rich, engages in all kinds of vices, and harbors a deep resentment toward her dad,” Lustre shared during the film’s media conference on November 20. “I’m the opposite—I’m chill. But we’re both fighters, and I wanted to explore a side of acting I’ve never done before. Nicole is very different from the kind and loving daughter roles I’ve portrayed.”
Lustre also commented on a particularly controversial scene with Aga Muhlach, who plays her father in the film. While she acknowledged its intensity, she noted that shooting the scene was not awkward, crediting Muhlach’s professionalism.
Vilma Santos on Finding a Challenge
After over 62 years in the industry, Vilma Santos admitted she was hesitant to accept the role at first, fearing it might lack the novelty she seeks in her projects.
“It’s been hard to find roles that challenge me at my age. Many characters seem repetitive. But ‘Uninvited’ offered a refreshing and complex character I haven’t done before, which motivated me to take it on,” Santos said.
A Teaser That Took Off
The film’s teaser, released on November 8, has already garnered over 10 million views across social media platforms and trended on X (formerly Twitter). Fans praised the dark, gritty tone, building anticipation for the MMFF entry.
Behind the Scenes and Supporting Cast
Directed by Dan Villegas, “Uninvited” combines elements of family drama, horror, and psychological tension. The film features a stellar supporting cast, including Mylene Dizon, Lotlot de Leon, Elijah Canlas, and Gabby Padilla.
Produced by Mentorque Productions (“Mallari”) and Project 8 Projects (“Sunshine”), the film is expected to make waves during the MMFF, showcasing Santos’ versatility and Lustre’s bold new direction in acting.