We’re just as intrigued as you are.
It’s not every day you hear Vilma Santos say she’s been dreaming about a movie for decades, or Aga Muhlach joking that he was relieved Nadine Lustre wasn’t his love interest. But here we are—one of the entries to this year’s Metro Manila Film Festival is the star-studded Uninvited.
Here’s why it’s already making noise.
A powercast
Vilma Santos and Aga Muhlach reuniting after 30 years? That’s cinematic history right there. Their past projects, Sinungaling Mong Puso and Nag-iisang Bituin, are etched into the minds of Filipino cinephiles. Now, they’re back, trading lines in what Vilma calls her dream project. “When the story was laid out (to me), it wasn’t easy. The characters were essential for it to be effective,” Vilma explained. “When it came together, there was really no other choice but Aga for Guilly.”
Aga responded with humor, saying, “How can you say no? When the film was offered, I called her right away. It’s Ate V, how could I not?” He added, “This is my third movie with her, and it feels like a full-circle moment.”
Nadine Lustre takes on the role of Nicole, a character worlds apart from her real-life self. “Nicole’s world is dark and toxic,” Nadine said. “We’re polar opposites, but that’s what made it exciting to play her.” Vilma admitted she was thrilled when Nadine joined the cast: “When I heard Nadine said yes, I wanted to start shooting the next day.” Even Aga had fun with the casting: “When they told me Nadine was in the movie, I asked, ‘Oh, is she my leading lady?’ Then they said, ‘No, she’s your daughter.’ Buti naman!” he said with a laugh
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“Hindi lang ’to basta party!”
The tagline teases that this film is more than what it seems. A single night, a party, and what sounds like an emotional disaster. Vilma hinted, “The story starts beautiful and ends in chaos.”
Director Dan Villegas revealed his inspiration came from real life. “I read an article about a Mexican mother who hunted down those who took her daughter,” he said. “That raw emotional intensity shaped the tone of the film.” For Vilma, Uninvited was a long-time dream come true. “I’ve always wanted to make a film that happens in just 24 hours, where everything starts perfectly and unravels by the end.”
Back at it
After six years away from directing, Direk Dan Villegas is back. Known for his naturalistic approach, Direk Dan focuses on building characters in meticulous detail. His approach? Send his actors background notes, down to their zodiac signs. (Yes, really.)
Nadine appreciated his method. “He gave us so much to work with, even before the cameras rolled,” she said. “I built an entire playlist for Nicole, and every scene felt like peeling back another layer of her.”
Even Aga, who has worked with countless directors, praised Villegas’s collaborative spirit. “He’s not just a director, he’s a storyteller. He lets you play, but he knows exactly what he wants,” Aga said. “Even as a ‘bad guy,’ Guilly isn’t a cliché. There’s depth to him.”
Vilma summed it up best: “When you’re inspired by your director, you give it your all. That’s what Dan brings out of you.”
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Can this be the MMFF movie of the season?
Uninvited headlines the MMFF’s milestone anniversary with a bold and emotional offering. Vilma explained, “We didn’t plan for this to be an MMFF entry. The goal was simply to create a film we could be proud of, a good movie that we really can be proud of. Pero, biglang sinwerte naman at naipasok sa MMFF at natanggap.“
We’re just as intrigued as you are to see how their 24 hours unfold. What begins as a glamorous party promises to turn into chaos, betrayal, and unforgettable drama. With a powerhouse cast, a visionary director, and a story brimming with emotional intensity, Uninvited is shaping up to be the movie event of the season. See you at the premiere?
