'Her Locket' review: Slow burner tale of forgiveness and redemption

MANILA, Philippines — J.E. Tiglao's "Her Locket" held its Philippine premiere during the opening night of the 2024 Sinag Maynila Film Festival at the Gateway Mall 2 cineplex.

Shot in locations around Metro Manila, the film shows the dynamics of a Filipino-Chinese family from the '70s to the present. Based on a true story, this biographical account is a tapestry woven from a story of its writer and director.

Jewel Ouyang-Nicolas (Rebecca Chuaunsu), who is suffering from dementia, is able to gradually piece together memories from her past with the aid of a bejeweled locket.

And so unravels this poignant family drama directed by J.E. Tiglao, who also penned the screenplay. Helmed with passion and an acute eye for detail, this slow burner of a movie coheres beautifully until the very end.

"Due to budgetary constraints, we got Chinoy theater actors. We brought this film to many parts of the world but, tonight, you bring joy to my eyes," said the teary-eyed lead actress, who is also the film's producer.

Jewel's forgetfulness is not of her own doing, as contrasted to her caregiver's resolve to forget her painful past through cosmetic surgery.

As the overly made-up pilfering caregiver Teresa Fermati,  Ellora Espanto gives an exemplary performance; reminiscent of another outstanding performances from Lolita Rodriguez and National Artist for Film Nora Aunor in "Minsan May Isang Ina."

As a seasoned theater thespian, Bo Gabunado as lawyer-son Kyle Nicolas holds his own and delivers a strong supporting turn. Ditto the heartfelt cameos from its ensemble cast.

At the culmination of the story, Jewel gives away her locket — her remaining memory — to live out her remaining days devoid of the hurts from her past.

For her poignant and outstanding performance in the lead role, Chuaunsu won as Best Actress at the Wu Wei International Film Festival in Taipei and at the Festival International du Film Transsaharien de Zagora in Morocco.

The film's ensemble cast also includes Sophie Ng, Benedict Cua, Francis Mata, Jian Repolles, Tommy Alejandrino, Zoey Villamangca, Norman Ong, Nellie Ang See, Angela Villarin, Ashlee Factor, Matthew Seaver Choy,  Roberto Uy Kieng, George See, Rolly