Ten Little Mistresses (released locally as Sampung Mga Kerida) is a 2023 Philippine black comedy mystery film. The film was produced by The IdeaFirst Company in association with Quantum Productions and is the first Filipino-produced film to be launched on Amazon Prime Video.
The film stars Eugene Domingo and John Arcilla, with the 10 "mistresses" portrayed by Pokwang, Carmi Martin, Agot Isidro, Kris Bernal, Arci Muñoz, Christian Bables, Sharlene San Pedro, Iana Bernardez, Kate Alejandrino, and Adrianna So. The title of the film is a reference to the American nursery rhyme Ten Little Indians and Filipino's "Sampung mga Daliri." The film debuted at number one in the Amazon Top Prime Videos in the Philippines.
Synopsis
The film follows the story of a widowed billionaire, Valentin Esposo, and his ten mistresses who want to become his new legal wife. After Esposo gathers his mistresses together and apologizes for mistreating them, he dies at the gathering. All 10 women end up as suspects in his death.
Cast and characters
Eugene Domingo as Lilith, Esposo's head maid. Lilith became Valentin's fiancé after his wife's death. John Arcilla as Valentin, the billionaire who invited his ten mistresses to his palace for his 60th birthday to end things with them and to announce his marriage to Lilith. Pokwang as Babet, Valentin's second mistress after Magenta and the mother of one of his children. Carmi Martin as Magenta, Valentin's first mistress, who has insecurities about Babet. Agot Isidro as Helga, one of Valentin's mistresses and a well-known dermatologist, who falls in love with Valentin's wit, caring attitude, and wealth. Kris Bernal as Diva, Helga's former assistant. Arci Muñoz as Aura, a faith healer who has selective foresight. She predicts that a terrible event will happen on Valentin's birthday, but is unable to foresee Valentin's murderer. Christian Bables as Lady G., the brother of the original Lady G., a deceased mistress of Valentin, who wants to avenge his sister, making him the initial primary suspect in Valentin's killing. Iana Bernardez as Coco, the tenth mistress. Kate Alejandrino as Sparkle, a beauty queen who advocates woman empowerment. Adrianna So as Because, a social media influencer named Because because of her repeated "because?" remarks during conversation. Donna Cariaga as Chicklet, Lilith's second-in-command. Cherry Pie Picache as Charo, Valentin's wife. Sharlene San Pedro as Moon-Young
Production
Filming
Filming was scheduled to begin in early 2021, but was delayed for budgetary reasons. One of the producers, Perci Intalan, approached Prime Video and obtained funding. The film began principal photography in late 2022 and began filming early 2023 with various locations in Alitagtag, Batangas, Philippines and in Club Morocco Beach Resort & Country Club in Subic, Zambales, Philippines.
Costume design
Jaylo Conanan served as the costume designer and Jaydee Jasa designed the wigs for the film, drawing inspiration from "extravaganza" and "drag". The costumes were designed to be "loud" and embellished, with large hair-pieces worn by the mistresses. The producers described the costumes as "campy" and "colorful".
Themes
The film's cast and crew explained that the film was released on Valentine's Day to highlight women's worth and self-respect. Domingo credited director and producer Jun Lana for focusing on women's beauty, stating, “The point is, we are very beautiful. We are the most beautiful God has created. ... Do not settle for anyone who is less than what you deserve”.
Release
On February 7, 2023, a special screeneing for the cast was hosted at Red Carpet Cinemas in Shangri La Mall. The first teaser was released on January 13, 2023, by Amazon Prime. It was released worldwide on February 15, 2023.