A Very Good Girl

Last updated

A Very Good Girl
A Very Good Girl.jpeg
Theatrical release poster
Directed by Petersen Vargas
Screenplay by
  • Marionne Dominique Mancol
  • Daniel S. Saniana
  • Jumbo A. Albano
Story byMarionne Dominique Mancol
Produced by
Starring
CinematographyNoel Teehankee
Edited byBenjamin Tolentino
Music byAndrew R. Florentino
Production
company
Distributed by Star Cinema
Release dates
  • September 27, 2023 (2023-09-27)(Philippines)
  • October 6, 2023 (2023-10-06)(United States)
Running time
117 minutes
CountryPhilippines
Languages
  • Filipino
  • English
Budget$2 million [1]
Box office₱100 million ($1.79 million) [2]

A Very Good Girl is a 2023 Filipino black comedy thriller film directed by Petersen Vargas from a story and screenplay written by Marionne Dominique Mancol, with Daniel Saniana and Jumbo Albano co-wrote the latter. [3] It stars Kathryn Bernardo and Dolly de Leon, with the supporting cast includes Kaori Oinuma, Jake Ejercito, and Angel Aquino. [4]

Contents

Produced and released by Star Cinema, the film was theatrically released nationwide in the Philippines on September 27, 2023.

Plot

Mercy is fired and blacklisted by her tyrannical employer, “Mother” Molly Suzara, who pretends to be a caring entrepreneur. After Mercy's mother, Conchita, is fatally hit by one of Molly's company vehicles, Mercy vows revenge. Over the next five years, she amasses a fortune through fraud to pose as a rich entrepreneur named Philo, aiming to infiltrate Molly's circle and expose her past.

Philo gains Molly's attention by buying a relic at an auction and gifting it to her. She befriends Zab, Molly's brand endorser and the daughter of Molly's money-laundering partner. Zab plans to leave the country without Molly's knowledge. At Zab's birthday party, Philo reveals Zab's plans, leading Molly to expose Zab's affair. Zab retaliates by revealing Molly's blackmail information, causing her friends to abandon her. Philo wins Molly's friendship by uploading a sex tape of Zab at Molly's request.

Philo infiltrates Molly's office by arranging for her secretary Gene to get a job abroad and threatening another secretary, Charles, to expose his misogynist behavior unless he provides information on Molly's illegal activities. Despite cutting off Charles' penis and convincing him to turn whistleblower, Molly avoids imprisonment and restores her reputation. Philo spends her illegally obtained money on a grand birthday party for Molly, who declines to celebrate, saying she has lost trust in everyone. Philo arranges for a knifeman to stab her while she pretends to shield Molly, gaining her sympathy. Molly, treating Philo like a daughter, reveals she was an orphan who had an abortion and regrets her role in Conchita's death, unaware she is speaking to her daughter. Philo reveals she accidentally caused her unborn sister's death by making her father's pregnant mistress miscarry during an argument.

One day, Rigel, claiming to be Mercy's unborn sister, reconnects with her. Mercy secretly records Molly's confession about Conchita's death and presents it to the police, but it's deemed inadmissible. Mercy then learns from her friend Karen that her goddaughter Lovely has been injured in a gas explosion, with Rigel missing. Desperate, Philo seeks help from Molly, only to find her kissing Rigel, who triggered the explosion on Molly's orders.

After Rigel leaves, Molly reveals she had discovered Mercy's past and mocks her for her poverty, naivety, and mother's death. Enraged, Mercy stabs Molly in the neck but is knocked down. Molly flees, pursued by Mercy, leading to a confrontation at her stepmother's bedside. Molly tricks Mercy into fatally stabbing her stepmother, claiming they are now even. Molly asserts that Mercy is no different from her, prompting Mercy to choke her but ultimately let her go, declaring herself the better person. As Mercy leaves, Molly follows to mock her but is fatally hit by a car. Mercy, at peace, appears to ascend into the sky.

Cast

Kathryn Bernardo at the Celebrate Mega in Iceland, 2016.jpg
Dolly de Leon 2023 (cropped).jpg
Kathryn Bernardo (pictured in 2016) and Dolly de Leon (pictured in 2023) played the lead roles of Philo and Molly, respectively.

Production

In late March 2023, during Bernardo's new movie alert event that was shown through Star Magic's YouTube channel, it was announced that she is set to star with the globally acclaimed actress Dolly de Leon in a movie. [4]

The production began filming in May 2023 [7] and officially wrapped late July 2023. [8]

Promotions and marketing

Pre-release

The official teaser of the film was released on August 4, 2023. [9] On August 11, 2023, a teaser poster was released and was seen in different social media platforms of Star Cinema and other related accounts. [10]

On August 23, 2023, a media conference was held. It was attended by the film's lead stars Kathryn Bernardo and Dolly de Leon, along with its cast members, creators, and director, Petersen Vargas. The official trailer and poster were also unveiled during the event. [11]

Release

A Very Good Girl was released in Philippine cinemas nationwide on September 27, 2023. [11] A day before its general release, a premiere night of the film was held at SM Megamall on September 26, 2023, and it was attended by the film's cast and crew members including the lead stars Kathryn Bernardo and Dolly de Leon, and director Petersen Vargas. [12] The event was also attended by many of ABS-CBN's homegrown talents including music groups BGYO and BINI as well as GMA Network's resident talents Alden Richards, Mavy Legaspi, and Kyline Alcantara, and veteran actor and Bernardo's co-star in 2 Good 2 Be True , Ronaldo Valdez. [12]

Overseas release

A Very Good Girl was released in the United States on October 6, 2023. [11] [13] It was previously scheduled for October 13, 2023. [14] Two days before the general release for American audiences, a Hollywood premiere was held at the Pacific Design Theater in West Hollywood on October 4, 2023, with the attendance of the lead stars, ABS-CBN executives, and Filipino-American celebrities including social media personality and influencer Bretman Rock, actress Ginger Gonzaga, and drag queen Manila Luzon. [15]

Reception

Box office

The film earned a total of ₱10 million from over 250 cinemas in the Philippines on its opening day. [16] The film has earned over ₱40 million in its opening weekend as of September 30, 2023. [17] As of October 10, 2023, the film has earned ₱100 million.

Critical response

Film critic Fred Hawson, writing for ABS-CBN News, gave the film a rating of 8 out of 10 stars and praised the performances of Bernardo and de Leon, further adding: "This was quite a roller-coaster ride of a film with an over-the-top camp value, with haute couture dresses and high society production design all the way." [18]

Wanggo Gallaga of ClickTheCity.com gave the film 4 stars out of 5 stars and he wrote: "This movie was such a joy for me to watch because it was not what I was expecting (and I loved that), even if it ended the way I think a Star Cinema movie would end. The film was crazy and irreverent, and I thought it could have even pushed it more. But where it went is already a step forward. And at the very center of it all, A Very Good Girl is so enjoyable because of Kathryn Bernardo’s commitment to the character and the genre. This is a superstar turn." [19]

Accolades

AwardYearCategoryNomineeResultRef
2024Gawad Lasallianeta AwardsMost Outstanding Filipino FilmA Very Good GirlWon [20]
Most Outstanding Actress Kathryn Bernardo Won
VP Choice AwardsMovie of the YearA Very Good GirlNominated [21]
Movie Actress of the Year Kathryn Bernardo Nominated
Movie Director of the Year Petersen Vargas Nominated
Supporting Movie Actor of the Year Jake Ejercito Nominated
Supporting Movie Actress of the YearDonna CariagaNominated
72nd FAMAS Awards Best Picture A Very Good GirlNominated [22] [23]
Best Actress Kathryn Bernardo Won
Best Director Petersen Vargas Nominated
Best Supporting Actress Dolly de Leon
Best CinematographyNoel Teehankee
Best EditingBenjamin Gonzales Tolentino
Best Production DesignCheska Salangsang
Best Musical ScoreAndrew Florentino
52nd GMMSF - Box Office Entertainment Awards Box Office Queen Kathryn Bernardo Won [24]
47th Gawad Urian Award Best Actress Kathryn Bernardo Nominated [25]
7th EDDY'S Award Box Office Heroes Kathryn Bernardo Won [26]
Best ActressNominated [27]
Best CinematographyNoel Teehankee
Best EditingBenjamin Tolentino
40th PMPC Star Awards for Movies Movie Actress of the Year Kathryn Bernardo Nominated [28]
Movie Cinematographer of the YearNoel Teehankee
Movie Musical Scorer of the YearAndrew Florentino
Movie Sound Engineer of the YearBoom Suvagondha
40th Luna Awards Movie Actress of the Year Kathryn Bernardo Nominated [29]
Best Supporting Actress Angel Aquino
Chie Filomeno
Best in CinematographyNoel Teehankee
Best in Production DesignCheska Florentino
Best Musical ScorerAndrew Florentino
2024 ContentAsia AwardsBest Asian Feature FilmA Very Good GirlBronze Award [30] [31]
26th Gawad PASADOPinakaPASADOng PelikulaA Very Good GirlNominated
PinakaPASADOng Direktor Petersen Vargas Nominated
PinakaPASADOng Aktres Kathryn Bernardo Won
PinakaPASADOng Katuwang na Aktres Dolly de Leon Won
PinakaPASADOng IstoryaMarionne Dominique MancolNominated
PinakaPASADOng Dulang PampelikulaMarionne Dominique Mancol, Jonathan Albano and Daniel SanianaNominated
PinakaPASADOng EditingBenjamin TolentinoNominated
PinakaPASADOng MusikaAndrew FlorentinoNominated
PinakaPASADOng TunogBoom SuvagondhaNominated
Asian Academy Creative Awards Best Actress in a Leading Role Kathryn Bernardo Won

Related Research Articles

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Shaina Magdayao</span> Filipino actress

Shaina Garcia Magdayao is a Filipino actress. Known primarily for her dramatic roles in film and television, she began her career as a child actress and starred in her first titular role Lyra. She is the recipient of various accolades including a FAMAS Award, a Metro Manila Film Festival Award, two Gawad Pasado Awards and a Young Critics Circle award, in addition to nominations from Gawad Urian and Luna Awards. Her works have also been competed in numerous film festivals around the world such as Cannes Film Festival, Busan International Film Festival, Berlin International Film Festival, and Locarno International Film Festival.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Kathryn Bernardo</span> Filipino actress (born 1996)

Kathryn Chandria Manuel Bernardo is a Filipino actress. She began her career as a child actress, portraying young versions of lead characters in series such as It Might Be You (2003) and Endless Love (2010). She gained prominence in the 2010 remake of Mara Clara and has since established herself as one of the most popular and successful actors of the 21st century in the Philippines.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Julia Montes</span> Filipino actress (born 1995)

Mara Hautea Schnittka, known professionally as Julia Montes, is a Filipino actress. Known for playing strong female characters and romantic leads in a range of genres across film and television, she has received various accolades, including a FAMAS Award, two Gawad Tanglaw Awards, a PMPC Star Awards for Movies and a Box Office Entertainment Award. Yes! magazine named her one of the most influential celebrities in Philippine entertainment.

<i>Way Back Home</i> (2011 film) 2011 Filipino film

Way Back Home is a 2011 Filipino family drama film directed by Jerry Lopez Sineneng from a story and screenplay written by Anna Karenina L. Ramos and Vanessa R. Valdez, with Dang Bagas as the co-writer. The film follows the story of two sisters, Ana Bartolome and Jessica Santiago, who have been separated for twelve years and grew up in two totally different worlds.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Daniel Padilla</span> Filipino actor and singer (born 1995)

Daniel John Elago Ford, known professionally as Daniel Padilla, is a Filipino actor and singer. He is a recipient of multiple accolades across television, film, and music, including the FAMAS Award for Best Actor and PMPC Star Award for Movie Actor of the Year, as well as three World Music Awards nominations.

Josefina Loisa Francisco Andalio is a Filipino actress, dancer and singer. She was first seen on Philippine TV in April 2014 as a housemate of the fifth regular season of Pinoy Big Brother, Pinoy Big Brother: All In, where she was dubbed as the "Talented Darling ng Parañaque". She starred in television shows such as Past, Present, Perfect? (2019), Unloving U (2021), Love in 40 Days (2022), and Pira-Pirasong Paraiso (2023), as well as films James and Pat and Dave (2020), and Friendly Fire (2024).

<i>Kathryn</i> (album) 2014 studio album by Kathryn Bernardo

Kathryn is the debut studio album by Filipina actress Kathryn Bernardo, released in the Philippines on November 26, 2014, by Star Records. It contains eleven tracks including four covers and six original songs.

<i>Barcelona: A Love Untold</i> 2016 film directed by Olivia M. Lamasan

Barcelona: A Love Untold is a 2016 Philippine romantic drama film directed by Olivia M. Lamasan from a story and screenplay she co-written with Carmi Raymundo. The film stars Kathryn Bernardo and Daniel Padilla, with the supporting and extended cast include Aiko Melendez, Joey Marquez, Ricky Davao, Maria Isabel Lopez, Joshua Garcia, and Ana Capri.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Jane de Leon</span> Filipino actress and model (born 1998)

Jane Florence Benitez de Leon is a Filipino actress, commercial model and philanthropist. She began her acting career after signing up with Star Magic in 2015. She initially played minor roles in films, made several appearances in drama anthologies and eventually landed supporting roles in Halik (2018) and Ang Probinsyano (2021). Her breakthrough came following her portrayal of the titular role in the series Mars Ravelo's Darna (2022). She has received an Ima Wa Ima Asian Film Festival Award, including nominations for a Metro Manila Film Festival Award and two PMPC Star Awards for Television.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Elisse Joson</span> Filipino actress (born 1996)

Maria Chriselle Elisse Joson Diuco is a Filipino actress.

BelindaAngelito "Belle" Mariano is a Filipino actress, singer and model. She began appearing on television at the age of nine playing supporting roles and starring in the comedy-themed show Goin' Bulilit (2012–2015). Mariano then starred in the film Four Sisters Before the Wedding (2020) and the television series He's Into Her (2021–2022) and Can't Buy Me Love (2023–2024).

<i>Hello, Love, Goodbye</i> 2019 Philippine romantic drama film

Hello, Love, Goodbye is a 2019 Philippine romantic drama film directed by Cathy Garcia-Molina and produced by Carlo L. Katigbak and Olivia M. Lamasan from a story and screenplay written by Carmi G. Raymundo, with Rona Co, Crystal S. San Miguel, and Garcia-Molina co-writing the latter. It stars Kathryn Bernardo and Alden Richards, with several cast members including Kakai Bautista, Lito Pimentel, Joross Gamboa, Maymay Entrata, Lovely Abella, and Jameson Blake. The film follows a struggling overseas Filipino worker, and a bartender, as they attempt to reconcile their personal careers and love for each other in Hong Kong.

Kaori Oinuma is a Filipino-Japanese actress and model known for being a finalist in Philippine reality television series, Pinoy Big Brother: Otso. She is best known for her role as Michiko in the iWantTFC original series, He's Into Her (2021). She is also a part of the first batch of stars under Rise Artists Studio, a talent management arm of ABS-CBN Films.

<i>2 Good 2 Be True</i> Philippine television drama series

2 Good 2 Be True is a Philippine television drama romance series broadcast by Kapamilya Channel. Directed by Mae Cruz-Alviar, it stars Kathryn Bernardo and Daniel Padilla. It aired on the network's Primetime Bida line-up and worldwide on TFC from May 16 to November 11, 2022 replacing Viral Scandal and was replaced by The Iron Heart.

Hintayan ng Langit is a 2018 Philippine romantic slice-of-life drama film directed by Dan Villegas and written by Juan Miguel Severo that was based on his one-act play of the same name. The film stars the veteran film and television legends, Eddie Garcia and Gina Pareño, as the ex-lovers who are living together in an apartment room in the Purgatory. It is a co-production between Globe Studios, an entertainment company division of Globe Telecom and Project 8 Corner San Joaquin Projects, a film production company jointly owned by Dan Villegas and Antoinette Jadaone.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Black Sheep Productions</span> Philippine film studio, subsidiary of Star Cinema

Black Sheep Productions is a Philippine film production studio owned by Star Cinema, a subsidiary of ABS-CBN Corporation. Founded in 2018, the studio produces films that are situated in between independent films and mainstream films released by the major Philippine film studios.

Juan Emilio "Jake" Enriquez Ejercito is a Filipino actor. He is the son of former actor and Philippine President Joseph Estrada and a half-brother to Senators Jinggoy Estrada and JV Ejercito.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Dolly de Leon</span> Filipino actress (born 1969)

Dolly Earnshaw de Leon is a Filipino actress. Known primarily for her work in independent films and theater, she has received numerous accolades, including a FAMAS Award, a Guldbagge Award, and a Los Angeles Film Critics Association Award, in addition to nominations for a Golden Globe Award and a BAFTA Award. British Vogue named her one of the 31 most famous stars in the world in 2023.

Elena 1944 is an upcoming Philippine historical drama film directed by Olivia M. Lamasan from an award-winning screenplay by Patrick Valencia, with Enrico C. Santos as the co-writer. Starring Kathryn Bernardo, it revolves around a young Filipina woman who became a sex slave for the Imperial Japanese Army during the Japanese occupation.

References

  1. ↑ Merican, Sara (October 28, 2023). "Starring Dolly De Leon And Kathryn Bernardo, 'A Very Good Girl' Makes Waves For Philippine Cinema". Forbes. Retrieved March 3, 2024.
  2. ↑ "'A Very Good Girl' earns more than P100 million". ABS-CBN News. October 10, 2023. Retrieved October 10, 2023.
  3. ↑ Abad, Ysa (May 28, 2023). "LOOK: Kathryn Bernardo, Dolly de Leon start filming 'A Very Good Girl'". Rappler . Retrieved August 1, 2023.
  4. 1 2 Baylon, Khryzztine Joy (March 28, 2023). "Kathryn Bernardo co-stars with Dolly de Leon in upcoming film 'A Very Good Girl'". Philippine Entertainment Portal. Retrieved August 1, 2023.
  5. 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 "'A VERY GOOD GIRL' CAST REVEALED: Here are the stars joining Kathryn Bernardo and Dolly de Leon!". ent.abs-cbn.com. Retrieved August 1, 2023.
  6. ↑ Hawson, Fred (September 27, 2023). "'A Very Good Girl' offers quite a roller-coaster ride". ABS-CBN . Retrieved December 29, 2024.
  7. ↑ Pasajol, Anne (May 26, 2023). "Kathryn Bernardo, Dolly de Leon begin filming for 'A Very Good Girl'" . Retrieved August 1, 2023.
  8. ↑ "Kathryn Bernardo, Dolly de Leon done filming 'A Very Good Girl'". ABS-CBN News. July 25, 2023. Retrieved August 1, 2023.
  9. ↑ "Kathryn Bernardo, Dolly de Leon go dark and dangerous in 'A Very Good Girl' teaser | ABS-CBN Entertainment". ent.abs-cbn.com. Retrieved August 5, 2023.
  10. ↑ Matalog, Patricia (August 14, 2023). "LOOK: Fan anticipation reaches fever pitch as 'A Very Good Girl' teaser poster is released!". ABS-CBN Entertainment.
  11. 1 2 3 "Kathryn finds 'mother' in Dolly in 'A Very Good Girl' official trailer". ABS-CBN News. August 24, 2023. Retrieved September 24, 2023.
  12. 1 2 "LOOK: Stars show support at "A Very Good Girl" premiere". ABS-CBN News. September 27, 2023. Retrieved September 28, 2023.
  13. ↑ Yee, Lawrence (September 12, 2023). "Filipino Drama 'A Very Good Girl' Sets US Release Date (Exclusive)". TheWrap. Retrieved September 24, 2023.
  14. ↑ "'A Very Good Girl' coming to US cinemas in October". ABS-CBN News. August 31, 2023. Retrieved September 24, 2023.
  15. ↑ Cabrera-Paraiso, Janelle Roa (October 6, 2023). "Celeb Guests at the "A Very Good Girl" Hollywood Premiere". Metro. Retrieved October 24, 2023.
  16. ↑ "'A Very Good Girl' earns over P10M on first day". News.ABS-CBN.com . September 28, 2023. Retrieved September 28, 2023.
  17. ↑ "Kathryn Bernardo happy with success of 'A Very Good Girl'". ABS-CBN News. September 30, 2023. Retrieved October 1, 2023.
  18. ↑ Hawson, Fred (September 27, 2023). "Movie review: 'A Very Good Girl' offers quite a roller-coaster ride". News.ABS-CBN.com . Retrieved September 28, 2023.
  19. ↑ Gallaga, Wanggo (October 2, 2023). "MOVIE REVIEW: Kathryn Bernardo delivers a true superstar turn in the cynical and campy 'A Very Good Girl'". ClickTheCity.com . Retrieved October 3, 2023.
  20. ↑ "Kathryn big winner sa gawad Lasallianeta, Alden best actor!". www.philstar.com. January 30, 2024. Retrieved February 1, 2024.
  21. ↑ "5th VP Choice Awards: List of nominees". 5th VP Choice Awards. Archived from the original on February 1, 2024.
  22. ↑ Philippines Star (May 6, 2024). "LIST: Here are the nominees for the 72nd FAMAS awards". Philippine Star Life. Retrieved May 15, 2024.
  23. ↑ Antonio, Josiah (May 27, 2024). "LIST: 2024 FAMAS Awards winners". ABS-CBN News . Retrieved July 4, 2024.
  24. ↑ Purnell, Kristofer (May 3, 2024). "Kathryn Bernardo, Alden Richards, DongYan to receive Box Office honors". Philippine Star.
  25. ↑ Mallorca, Hannah (May 10, 2024). "Kathryn Bernardo, Cedrick Juan lead 2024 Gawad Urian nominees". Inquirer.Net.
  26. ↑ Mercado, Josh (June 5, 2024). "Kathryn, Piolo, DongYan, Alden, Julia to receive Box Office Heroes award from 7th Eddys". ABS-CBN News.
  27. ↑ "Kathryn Bernardo, Julia Montes, Marian Rivera vie for Best Actress at 7th Eddys". ABS-CBN News. June 14, 2024.
  28. ↑ Monde, Joel (June 13, 2024). "PMPC Star Awards For Movies 2024 – Full List Of Nominees". Philnews.ph.
  29. ↑ Evangelista, Jessica Ann. "Kathryn Bernardo, Cedrick Juan among 40th Luna Awards nominees". Inquirer.Net.
  30. ↑ "Nominees for 2024 ContentAsia Awards revealed". Manila Bulletin. July 15, 2024.
  31. ↑ Antonio, Josiah (July 15, 2024). "ABS-CBN gets 6 nods at ContentAsia Awards 2024". ABS-CBN News.
This page is based on this Wikipedia article
Text is available under the CC BY-SA 4.0 license; additional terms may apply.
Images, videos and audio are available under their respective licenses.