Why Jodi Sta. Maria did another horror movie despite her resolve to shun the genre

 

Jodi Sta. Maria

After shooting "Clarita" in 2018 with director Derick Cabrido, actress Jodi Sta. Maria was so spent she told herself to never do a horror movie again or, at least, not for a long, long time.

Comes 2024 and Jodi sees Derick one day, making his way towards her with a new pitch. 

As much as Jodi loves and trusts him, her heart kind of sank.

"Sabi ko, 'Naku, siguradong horror ang ipi-pitch---alangan na love story,'" she remember telling herself.

Nevertheless, Jodi listened to his pitch and months later, her latest starrer, the horror movie "Untold", is set to open in cinemas after Holy Week, on April 30 to be exact.

In the movie, Jodi plays a reporter who sees dead people walking, no thanks to a mysterious bracelet given to her.

So, why did she accept "Untold"?

"Binasa ko yung script, kakaiba siya," Jodi said. 

Director and cast of 'Untold'

She also likes Derick's style which is "collaborative," as Jodi puts it.

"Our work relationship is built on trust," the actress said. "I like it that Derick is open to suggestions."

Jodi also like Derick's "honesty" in that he doesn't hesitate doing a scene another way just to see if it would come out better than the previous execution.

In playing media in the movie, Jodi gained a deeper understanding on the responsibility and power practitioners wield.

"Any platform is neutral and it's up to the user if he's going to use it for good or to create chaos," she said to that effect.

Jodi, ever eloquent, quipped about paid hacks vis-a-vis social responsibility: "What are you willing to give up in exchange for your soul?"

Also starring Joem Bascon, Juan Karlos, Mylene Dizon, Kaori Oinuma, Sarah Edwards, Lianne Valentin, and Ms. Gloria Diaz, "Untold" is produced by Regal Entertainment Inc.

"Untold" is one of the last three movies that was approved the late Regal matriarch Lily Monteverde.