Now showing in select theaters across Metro Manila as part of this year’s Sinag Maynila is “Her Locket.”
The family drama focuses on Jewel Ouyang-Nicolas, a once popular actress afflicted with dementia.
According to executive producer Rebecca Chuaunsu, the film is inspired by an amalgam of true stories.
She developed it herself with the help of director J.E. Tiglao and writer Maze Miranda.
The narrative starts with the young Jewel, a free spirit bent on defying her Chinoy family’s rigid beliefs, culture, going out clubbing.
This would eventually lead to conflict, sparking a bitter rivalry with her brother, which culminates in a court battle.
Jewel believes her brother faked their father’s last will and testament to his gain.
She wants her share, fair and square.
But who would believe her? She is already beset with dementia.
Key to her regaining lost memory is a locket, which her minder Teresa pinched to help finance a cosmetic procedure.
Teresa wants to erase a scar that reminds her of a dark episode from her past, aching for a new lease on life.
Yes, it could’ve easily veered into “Maalaala Mo Kaya” territory but the adept presentation, coupled with the superb performance of all involved, makes “Her Locket” fresh, engaging.
Special mention goes to Boo Gabunada, Elora Espano, Tommy Alejandrino, Norman Ong, Sophie Ng, Benedict Cua.
They’re not marquee names but they all did more than enough to make “Her Locket” entertaining, relatable, enabling it to drive home its primary message and that is, for women to dream beyond patriarchal impediments, push boundaries, and ultimately, become vessels of change.
Of course, it goes without saying that the biggest revelation here is Rebecca herself.
Her portrayal of the ageing Jewel although seemingly restrained, proved moving.
No doubt, she is apt to win more awards for her performance here.
So far, she has already earned two best actress recognitions for the same, one at the Festival International du Film Transsaharien de Zagora in Morocco (2023), and another at the Wu Wei Taipei International Film Festival, only recently.
Sinag Maynila runs until Sept. 10.
