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In a significant development for the Philippine film industry, acclaimed stage actor Lhorvie Nuevo-Tadioan has been cast as the titular character in the upcoming feature film ‘Mother Maybe.’ Directed by Sonny Calvento, this innovative horror-comedy-drama is a collaboration involving Southern Lantern Studios from the Philippines, E&W Films from Singapore, and Volos Films Ltd. from Taiwan. The film is set to explore themes of family, identity, and the supernatural.
Nuevo-Tadioan portrays Minda, a mother whose reunion with her son Marco, played by Anthony Jennings, unfolds during a high-stakes Asian game show. As the narrative progresses, Marco uncovers a shocking secret: his mother transforms into a monstrous figure at night. This twist adds complexity to the story, immersing the audience in a world where familial ties are strained amidst horror.
Exploring the depths of emotional performance
Nuevo-Tadioan’s character is characterized by a minimalistic communication style, reflecting the struggles faced by many parents who conceal their emotions. The challenge for her lies in conveying a range of feelings through subtlety, emphasizing what remains unsaid. The film employs elements of supernatural horror to examine the experiences of overseas Filipino workers, highlighting the emotional consequences of migration.
A promising journey in film
This film marks only the second project for Nuevo-Tadioan, who made her on-screen debut in ‘Phantosmia,’ directed by Lav Diaz. Her performance in that film premiered at the prestigious Venice Film Festival, showcasing her potential in the cinematic landscape. However, her extensive theater experience distinguishes her. A long-time member of Tanghalang Pilipino, the resident theater company of the Cultural Center of the Philippines, she has developed a reputation for her emotionally resonant portrayals.
One of her standout performances was in ‘Anak Datu,’ where she received dual accolades: the Gawad Buhay Award for Outstanding Performer and the Aliw Award for Best Featured Performer. In that role, she played Potri Loling, a character who expressed deep emotions without a single line of dialogue, showcasing her extraordinary ability to engage the audience through physicality alone.
The director’s vision and casting choice
Director Calvento has praised Nuevo-Tadioan’s commanding stage presence. He noted, “In theater, Lhorvie possesses an incredible authority. What struck me most was her ability to captivate an audience even in silence. Her physicality and stillness resonate powerfully without the need for words.” This unique quality is essential for the character of Minda, who must navigate the complexities of motherhood while carrying a dark secret.
The importance of subtlety in performance
Calvento also emphasized the nuanced cinematic qualities that Nuevo-Tadioan brings to her roles. “There’s an innate cinematic quality to her,” he remarked. “Even the slightest change in her movement or the way she pauses can tell a rich story. These details are crucial for the depth of this role.” With her theater background, Nuevo-Tadioan is well-equipped to embody the understated intensity and emotional intricacies that Minda demands.
As production on ‘Mother Maybe’ resumes in February, the film has already garnered significant recognition within the industry. It secured the TAICCA Development Grant at the Full Circle Lab Philippines and participated in the Malaysian Development Lab for Feature Films in. The project also received the TAICCA x CNC Award for Best Project and the MPA Grand Award at the Taiwan Creative Content Fest in, underscoring its potential as a noteworthy contribution to contemporary cinema.