Movie review: ‘Her Locket’ – heartfelt family drama that resonates deeply

Her Locket is a touching family drama with a story full of depth. It explores themes of family, love, challenges of dementia, and more. With its clear storytelling and strong performances from the cast, Her Locket connects deeply with audiences, leaving a lasting impression.

Her Locket follows the story of Jewel Ouyang, a senior Chinese woman with dementia who has lost everything—her youth, beauty, and fortune. She lives with her son, Kyle, and her ambitious caregiver, Teresa. One day, Jewel finds an old locket with a photo of her family, which brings back memories of her difficult relationship with them. She remembers her struggles with her career, her happy marriage cut short by her husband’s death, and her brother Magnus stealing her inheritance. Seeking justice, Jewel faces Magnus in court, but with her dementia, she must decide whether to forgive and forget.

Her Locket blends scenes from the past and present, using beautiful flashbacks with great attention to costumes, sets, and camera work. The movie carefully shows the challenges of dementia and family problems, making sure to treat these themes with care. This approach makes the film emotionally moving and easy to connect with.

Rebecca Chuaunsu shines in her first full-length film as Jewel Ouyang, delivering an exceptional performance that has earned her praise.

She received rave reviews and several awards, including Best Actress honors from the Festival International du Film Transsaharien de Zagora in Morocco (2023) and the Wu Wei Taipei International Filipino Film Festival in Taiwan (September 2024).

The supporting cast, including Elora Españo as Teresa, Boo Gabunada as Kyle, Sophie Ng as young Jewel, and Benedict Cua as young Magnus, delivers strong performances. Each actor brings their character to life, adding to the movie’s overall impact.

With its compelling screenplay, stunning visuals, and heartfelt performances, Her Locket achieved remarkable success at the Sinag Maynila Film Festival on September 8, 2024. The film took home eight major awards, including Best Film, Best Director, Best Screenplay, Best Actress, Best Supporting Actress, Best Production Design, Best Cinematography, and Best Ensemble Acting.

Don’t miss the chance to watch this award-winning movie when it hits cinemas nationwide on January 22, 2025.