A Very Good Girl

2023 Philippine dark comedy film

A Very Good Girl

Theatrical release poster

Directed by| Petersen Vargas
Screenplay by|

* Marionne Dominique Mancol
* Daniel S. Saniana
* Jumbo A. Albano

Story by| Marionne Dominique Mancol
Produced by|

* Carlo L. Katigbak
* Kriz G. Gazmen
* John Leo D. Garcia
* Carmi G. Raymundo

Starring|

* Kathryn Bernardo
* Dolly de Leon

Cinematography| Noel Teehankee
Edited by| Benjamin Tolentino
Music by| Andrew R. Florentino

Production
company

ABS-CBN Film Productions

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
Country| Philippines
Languages|

* Filipino
* English

Budget| ₱120 million ($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 screenplay written by Marionne Dominique Mancol, Daniel Saniana, and Jumbo A. Albano, with Mancol solely developed the story.[3] It stars Kathryn Bernardo and Dolly de Leon, with the supporting cast includes Kaori Oinuma, Jake Ejercito, and Angel Aquino.[4]

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

## Plot

[edit]

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

[edit]

Kathryn Bernardo (pictured in 2016) and Dolly de Leon (pictured in 2023) played the lead roles of Philo and Molly, respectively.

* Kathryn Bernardo as Philomena "Philo" Angeles / Mercedes "Mercy" Novela[5]
* Dolly de Leon as Molly "Mother" Suzara[5]
* Angel Aquino as Conchita Novela[5]
* Chie Filomeno as Zab Omila[5]
* Jake Ejercito as Charles Monteron[5]
* Donna Cariaga as Karen Merino[5]
* Kaori Oinuma as Rigel Abalos[5]
* Gillian Vicencio as Joenna Ondon[5]
* Ana Abad Santos as Gene[5]
* Althea Ruedas as young Mercy[5]
* Natania Guerrero as Lovely[5]
* Nour Hooshmand as Alma Feliciano[5]
* Kakki Teodoro as Thea[6]

## Production

[edit]

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

[edit]

### Pre-release

[edit]

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

[edit]

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

[edit]

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

[edit]

### Box office

[edit]

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

[edit]

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

[edit]

Award  | Year  | Category  | Nominee  | Result  | Ref

|
|
|
|
|

2024  | Gawad Lasallianeta Awards  | Most Outstanding Filipino Film  | A Very Good Girl  | Won  | [20]
Most Outstanding Actress  | Kathryn Bernardo | Won
VP Choice Awards  | Movie of the Year  | A Very Good Girl  | Nominated  | [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 Year  | Donna Cariaga  | Nominated
72nd FAMAS Awards | Best Picture | A Very Good Girl  | Nominated  | [22][23]
Best Actress | Kathryn Bernardo | Won
Best Director | Petersen Vargas | Nominated
Best Supporting Actress | Dolly de Leon
Best Cinematography  | Noel Teehankee
Best Editing  | Benjamin Gonzales Tolentino
Best Production Design  | Cheska Salangsang
Best Musical Score  | Andrew 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 Actress  | Nominated  | [27]
Best Cinematography  | Noel Teehankee
Best Editing  | Benjamin Tolentino
40th PMPC Star Awards for Movies | Movie Actress of the Year  | Kathryn Bernardo | Nominated  | [28]
Movie Cinematographer of the Year  | Noel Teehankee
Movie Musical Scorer of the Year  | Andrew Florentino
Movie Sound Engineer of the Year  | Boom Suvagondha
40th Luna Awards | Movie Actress of the Year  | Kathryn Bernardo | Nominated  | [29]
Best Supporting Actress  | Angel Aquino
Chie Filomeno
Best in Cinematography  | Noel Teehankee
Best in Production Design  | Cheska Florentino
Best Musical Scorer  | Andrew Florentino
2024 ContentAsia Awards  | Best Asian Feature Film  | A Very Good Girl  | Bronze Award  | [30][31]
26th Gawad PASADO  | PinakaPASADOng Pelikula  | A Very Good Girl | Nominated  |
PinakaPASADOng Direktor  | Petersen Vargas | Nominated  |
PinakaPASADOng Aktres  | Kathryn Bernardo | Won  |
PinakaPASADOng Katuwang na Aktres  | Dolly de Leon | Won  |
PinakaPASADOng Istorya  | Marionne Dominique Mancol  | Nominated  |
PinakaPASADOng Dulang Pampelikula  | Marionne Dominique Mancol, Jonathan Albano and Daniel Saniana  | Nominated  |
PinakaPASADOng Editing  | Benjamin Tolentino  | Nominated  |
PinakaPASADOng Musika  | Andrew Florentino  | Nominated  |
PinakaPASADOng Tunog  | Boom Suvagondha  | Nominated  |
Asian Academy Creative Awards | Best Actress in a Leading Role  | Kathryn Bernardo | Won  |

## References

[edit]

1. ^ "Starring Dolly De Leon And Kathryn Bernardo, 'A Very Good Girl' Makes Waves For Philippine Cinema". Forbes. October 28, 2023. Retrieved April 20, 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. ^ a b 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. ^ a b c d e f g h i j k l "'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. ^ a b c "Kathryn finds 'mother' in Dolly in 'A Very Good Girl' official trailer". ABS-CBN News. August 24, 2023. Retrieved September 24, 2023.
12. ^ a b "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.

## External links

[edit]

* A Very Good Girl at IMDb

* v
* t
* e

Kathryn Bernardo

* Awards

Filmography|

| Television|

* It Might Be You
* Krystala
* Vietnam Rose
* Goin' Bulilit
* Gulong ng Palad
* Komiks Presents: Agua Bendita
* Komiks Presents: Bandanang Itim
* Super Inggo
* Pangarap na Bituin
* Prinsesa ng Banyera
* Maalaala Mo Kaya: Bracelet
* Your Song Presents: You Know It's Christmas
* Maalaala Mo Kaya: Blusa
* Endless Love
* Magkaribal
* Mara Clara
* Growing Up
* Princess and I
* Got to Believe
* Pangako Sa 'Yo
* La Luna Sangre

|

Film|

* Gagamboy
* Nasaan Ka Man
* Tatlong Baraha
* Way Back Home
* Shake, Rattle & Roll 13
* 24/7 In Love
* Sisterakas
* Must Be... Love
* Pagpag: Siyam na Buhay
* She's Dating the Gangster
* Crazy Beautiful You
* Barcelona: A Love Untold
* Can't Help Falling in Love
* The Hows of Us
* Three Words to Forever
* Hello, Love, Goodbye
* A Very Good Girl
* Hello, Love, Again

Studio album|

* Kathryn

Christmas album|

* Christmas Love Duets (2015)

Related topics|

* Star Magic
* Star Records

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*[t]: Discuss this template
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