Random Review: Jodi Sta. Maria and cast reveal horror with a heart in Regal Entertainment’s ‘Untold’
I’ll admit it right off the bat—horror is at the bottom of my genre list. If I had to choose, I’d lean toward anything but horror. But when I received an invitation to the special advance screening of Regal Entertainment’s Untold, featuring Jodi Sta. Maria, curiosity got the best of me.
From the trailer alone, I sensed that this was not your run-of-the-mill horror flick. With director Derick Cabrido (Clarita, Mallari) taking the lead, I knew I was in for something layered and possibly unsettling. I’ve seen both Clarita and Mallari in the past which he both directed.
Photo from the presscon
The cast commanded the screen
The strongest point of Untold, in my view, lies in its stellar ensemble cast. Jodi Sta. Maria leads the pack with a commanding performance as a driven and “ethically flexible” journalist. She completely sheds her usual calm and warm persona offscreen and usually sweet roles (think Maya of Be Careful With My Heart) and fully inhabits her role as Vivian Vera. You’ll notice even the smallest details—like her subtle nail-biting when stressed—are consistently delivered. That, I observed, is commitment.
Joining her in the lineup are Joem Bascon, Mylene Dizon, Sarah Edwards, Kaori Oinuma, and Miss Universe 1969-turned-seasoned-actress Gloria Diaz. Add Juan Karlos Labajo and Lianne Valentin into the mix, and we’ve got a compelling cast that delivers both dramatic tension and surprising moments of scare.
Horror that lingers
Watching Untold was an experience, I must say. While I usually brace for boredom in horror films dragged down by cliché jump scares, this one kept me engaged. The fear was real—and it lingered. There’s something about how the movie uses ordinary objects (a black cat, a fork, a bracelet, and even sisig) to deliver dread that sticks with you. Even long after I got home, I was still thinking about those scenes. The musical scoring helped amplify the moments and it was also tricky because you’d think you know what’s going to happen next, but you’re in for something else. The gulat or shock factor was at work.
And that one frame of Jodi’s character—the eerie, clownish smile featured in the trailer—haunted me. I closed my eyes that night and tried not to think about it. Naturally, that’s when it popped into my mind the most. I slept with lights on. Haha.
Moments of relief and humor
It wasn’t all fear and screaming. Surprisingly, the film managed to sprinkle in humor at just the right moments, with Juan Karlos Labajo, Mylene Dizon, and other minor role players so effortlessly providing much-needed comic relief. These small moments of laughter balanced the overall tension and gave viewers space to breathe, which was a smart choice by the filmmakers.
Powerful performances
Joem Bascon, as always, delivered a powerful performance that felt both grounded and memorable. His scene involving a fork—no spoilers here—still plays in my head. Gloria Diaz brought gravitas to her role, and even Gian Magdangal, in his brief appearance, left a mark. Sarah Edwards’ and Kaori Oinuma‘s portrayals of confrontational and competitive reporters prove they have grown into their own as a Regal baby and Star Magic-Rise artist. And Lianne Valentin? She knew how to maximize her screen time. That “head-banging” moment (wink, wink) was impactful.
Themes that cut deeper
Beyond the scare, Untold is a story of unchecked ambition and moral compromise. It serves as a reminder that while ambition is essential, stepping on others to get ahead can lead to personal downfall. These psychological layers gave the film a thoughtful edge. It’s not just about scaring you—it’s also about making you think. In fact, I still have a lot of questions about some details but I assume they really gave room for interpretation and afterthought.
Untold isn’t just for horror fans—it’s for anyone who appreciates storytelling, acting, and films that have a message. You’ll probably scream. You’ll probably laugh. But you’ll definitely think.
Catch Untold in theaters starting April 30. Watch it for its heart and the life lessons it will impart.
