A mother’s vengeance, a daughter’s trauma, and a woman’s rage—Nadine Lustre talks us through her character Nicole Vega in ‘Uninvited’ and the trauma she carries and the fury it manifests into
“A society that does not respect women’s anger is one that does not respect women; not as human being, thinkers, knowers, active participants, or citizens,” Soraya Chemaly explains in her book Rage Become Her: The Power of Women’s Anger. As discussed in its pages, anger is an emotion that is often gendered. Women are encouraged to always be in control whether that’s her temper, feelings, or even her ambition. Therefore, expressing any type of extreme emotion meant losing control and that is something to be ashamed of. For as long as we can remember, females have been seen as human beings led by emotions, yet they are also expected to suppress it. Uninvited, on the other hand, fully embraces a women’s emotions including rage and invites it to the table to be feasted on.
Gut-wrenching. Intense. Massive. These are the words Gabby Padilla and Elijah Canlas used to describe Uninvited: a mystery crime thriller film starring Aga Muhlach, Vilma Santos-Recto, and Nadine Lustre. Joining them is not only a talented, but also an award-winning ensemble: Tirso Cruz III, Lotlot De Leon, Mylene Dizon, Gabby Padilla, Gio Alvarez, Cholo Barretto, Ketchup Eusebio, Elijah Canlas, Ron Angeles, and RK Bagatsing. Out of all these fantastic actors, MEGA has the opportunity to sit down and interview award-winning actress Nadine Lustre about her character, Nicole Vega.
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Character Study
In the past, Nadine Lustre has portrayed many complex roles. From being a dreamer who had to choose her career in On The Wings of Love and Never Not Love You to rolling with life’s punches in Ulan and Greed, rage has always been present in her roles, but manifested in dialogue and body language.
However, in Uninvited, Nadine plays Nicole Vega, the rebellious daughter of Guilly Vega. She carries the heavy baggage of sexual assault, a trauma that, for as long as she can remember, haunts and follows her like a shadow. ”When I first heard about the role, I was excited but also a little nervous because I knew it would challenge me in a new way—and that’s something I’m always up for,” Lustre shared excitedly about her latest role.
Aside from the multi-layered story of her character, the stellar cast is also what coaxed the actress to say yes to the role. “Knowing their talent and passion made it easy for me to commit,” Lustre offered. The absolute powerhouse of an ensemble was star-studded, and to her, it was a fun and easy experience. “Everyone was so talented and professional, which made it feel less like work and more like a group of people just having a great time creating something special. There was such good energy on set that everything flowed naturally,” Nadine said.
“We like doing things our way and questioning what’s expected of us. Other than that, she’s her own person, and playing her gave me a chance to explore a side of myself I don’t usually get to show.”
– Nadine Lustre on her and Nicole’s similar rebellious trait
Seeing Red
Rage is a child born out of an experience of abuse, trauma, and unjust treatment. For Nicole, it came from the abuse and trauma that she experienced when her father sexually assaulted her at a young age. The daughter’s intense anger not only came from the trauma but also from the abuse of power committed by the very person who was supposed to comfort and protect her. Instead, he gave his daughter a lifelong scar that may not heal. “Nicole’s rage comes from a place of pain and trauma, and showing that felt important because it’s something a lot of women can relate to but might not always express,” Lustre said honestly.
Female rage is also mainly seen in Lilia Capistrano played by Vilma Santos, whose character is a mother avenging the unjust, gruesome death of her daughter. Despite its dark story, Uninvited was an invitation to see how anger is a driving force from a place of love, justice, hope, and power.
“Female rage is something we don’t see enough of, but it’s so real and valid. Women are often told to stay calm or to keep their emotions in check, but anger is part of being human.”
– Nadine Lustre
With a complex and edgy character, MEGA asked Lustre how she prepared for this role, to which she answered with understanding Nicole. “I spent a lot of time studying her character and listening to music that helped me connect with her emotions. Music really set the tone for me and helped me tap into what Nicole was feeling. It was about understanding who she is and how she reacts to the world around her,” the actress explained thoughtfully.
All The Rage
Despite being a fictional character, Nicole’s character is too real, too familiar, and yet, Lustre had no problem stripping this character off her. “Nicole and I are very different people with different experiences,” the actress expressed. Compared to the extreme measures taken by her character, Nadine has her own way of clapping back. As sharp and fierce as her character, the actress isn’t afraid to speak out and stand her ground, especially against comments that shame or bully her.
Aside from the music helping her get into the character of Nicole, the wardrobe and makeup were a huge help. “They made me feel so glamorous and confident, which really helped me get into Nicole’s headspace,” the actress giddily shared. “It brought out this sharp, sophisticated side of me that felt very “her.” It was like putting on armor that instantly made me feel like Nicole.”
Through pivotal female characters such as Nicole and Lilia, Uninvited explores female rage in a much deeper, painful, but terrifyingly realistic way. The film portrays the abuse, the trauma, and the power dynamics that take advantage of women. In fact, it invites what people would call an overreaction; Uninvited invites a woman’s emotions and sets her free.
Photographed by KIM SANTOS. Creative Direction by GALLAHAN EAST. Makeup by THAZZIA FALEK. Hair by DALE MALLARI. Styled by LYN ALUMNO. Styling Associate DAYLE GALVAN. Shoot Coordination by JOANA FERNANDO. Sittings Editor MIA CASTRO. Shot on location LA VIEN ROSE
