Dolly de Leon gets rave reviews for ‘Triangle of Sadness’ at QCinema premiere
Filipino actress Dolly de Leon received a standing ovation at the Philippine premiere of the critically acclaimed film Triangle of Sadness during the opening of the 10th QCinema International Film Festival on Thursday.
The satirical dark comedy film, which bagged the top prize at the Cannes Film Festival’s Palme d’Or, made its debut as the festival’s opening film on Nov. 17 at Gateway Cineplex in Quezon City.
While the premiere was by invitation, moviegoers will be able to catch the second screening on Nov. 21 at Power Plant Cinema in Rockwell, Makati City ahead of its nationwide release on Nov. 30. The film is exclusively distributed by TBA Studios in the country.
Triangle of Sadness, directed by Ruben Ostlund, revolves around the guests and crew of a doomed luxury cruise ship whose social roles are turned upside down.
After a storm causes their ship to capsize, the group is left stranded on a desert island with some of the billionaire guests and cruise staff, including a hardworking cleaning lady portrayed by De Leon. Her character Abigail is the only one equipped with the necessary survival skills to take charge.
According to TBA Studios, De Leon elicited cheers and laughter especially during the third act of the film during the premiere event. The audience, including film critics, entertainment press, movie bloggers, actors, film workers, and dignitaries, all gave the actress a rousing standing ovation after the film ended.
The film also stars Harris Dickinson, Woody Harrelson, Henrik Dorsin, Zlatko Buric, Iris Berben, Sunnyi Melles, Vicky Berlin, Oliver Ford Davies and other Filipino actors portraying luxury yacht workers speaking Filipino.
In an interview with the press during the premiere, the actress admitted she struggled for more than two decades playing minor supporting roles and believes that Filipinos now have more representation on the international stage.
"I think we're definitely headed for a global audience. Tayong mga Southeast Asians, mas may representation na tayo sa international stage. Mas may diversity na talaga ngayon sa casting talaga eh,” she said in a video posted by News5 entertainment journalist MJ Marfori.
She cited international breakthroughs of fellow actors and other Filipino directors, composers and creatives who continue to open more doors for Filipino artists.
De Leon’s noteworthy performance has garnered praise from film critics. The Filipino actress was named by Variety as among the top three contenders for the best-supporting actress category at the Oscars.
“Her committed turn not only makes her the defining supporting performance of the year thus far but also, if enough Academy members make a note to focus on quality (and not simply name recognition as they can often do), she could be the frontrunner walking into awards season,” Variety’s award senior editor Clayton Davis commented on De Leon’s performance.
The 2022 Cannes Film Festival Palme d’Or-winning film by director Ruben Östlund was also screened at the Toronto Film Festival and New York Film Festival.
After its run in QCinema, Triangle of Sadness will arrive in Philippine cinemas nationwide on Nov. 30.