‘The Accent Is Unbearable’: Chai Fonacier’s Accent in ‘Nocebo’ Trailer Sparks Online Debate

Filipino actors are talented. From Liza Soberano (Lisa Frankenstein), John Arcilla (On The Job: The Missing 8), to Dolly De Leon (Triangle of Sadness), it’s not surprising why many of them are making a splash internationally. Joining the growing list of Filipino actors going global is Chai Fonacier (Patay Na Si Hesus) who’s starring in her first-ever international film, Nocebo. However, after the trailer was released, some Pinoys raised their eyebrows at Fonacier’s accent. Here’s what happened.

Nocebo

Halloween might be a few weeks away from now, but we already have numerous hair-raising flicks coming to our screens. One of them is the Irish psychological thriller film Nocebo starring model-actress Eva Green (Casino Royale), Mark Strong (Kingsman: The Secret Service), and our very own Cebuana, Chai Fonacier.

The movie follows the life of a fashion designer (Green) who’s suffering from a mysterious disease. A Filipina housekeeper (Fonacier) comes to her aid, but things suddenly take a horrifying turn. 

“The accent is unbearable.”

While many were thrilled to see the Filipino actress make her Hollywood debut, some weren’t fond of her character’s accent. “The accent is unbearable. Why was the accent greenlit? Is it really necessary? Good for Chai, but my left eyebrow is raised. We know she doesn’t speak English like that,” said one Twitter user.

The Twitter user went on to explain that the issue isn’t about being ashamed of having an accent but about employing dangerous stereotypes in Western-produced media. “Immediately invalidating multiple people feeling off about this and the valid criticism makes you sound like ‘puro reklamo, suporta na lang kase,'” they added. 

But some netizens don’t see any problem with it

Another Twitter user argued Fonacier’s accent only becomes a dangerous stereotype if it’s made fun of or doesn’t add value to her character.

“Accents like that exist in the Philippines. It is accurate to whatever region the character is supposed to have come from,” said another.

Yet another netizen defended Fonacier’s accent, saying we shouldn’t be ashamed of different Filipino accents.

Chai Fonacier speaks out

The discussion reached Fonacier herself who shared a quick statement on the issue:

“There’s some talk about the accent I used in the trailer.” The Filipina actress begins. “Simply put: you would s**t on me as an actor if I spoke in ‘better English’ and THEN you found out what my character’s background is when you see the film. ‘Yun lang.”

Chai Fonacier is receiving lots of support

The proud Cebuana actress is no stranger to the entertainment scene. She was a former contestant on the reality talent TV show Pinoy Dream Academy and starred in numerous local films such as Born Beautiful (2019), Pauwi Na (2016), Write About Love (2019), and Patay na si Hesus (2016). With her acting credentials, people can expect Chai to deliver a stellar performance in Nocebo. 

No lies detected.

A big win, indeed!

Even her co-star Eva has nothing but praises for her. She said Chai is a great actress with extraordinary depth and sensitivity. Wow!

What are your thoughts on this? Let us know in the comments.

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