Horror, a genre so often recycled and reimagined, has left many of us jaded. From endless sequels to the overdone 'found footage' trope, it’s hard to find something truly original. But what if I told you there’s a film that redefines auditory horror, leaving you shaken long after it ends? Enter Undertone, A24’s latest masterpiece, which premiered at the Sundance Film Festival’s Midnights section after winning hearts at the Fantasia Film Festival. This isn’t your typical jump-scare flick—it’s a psychological thriller that thrives on what you don’t see, relying instead on a haunting soundscape that lingers in your mind.
What sets Undertone apart is its restraint. Instead of bombarding you with clichés, it invites you to fill in the blanks, making the experience uniquely personal and terrifying. Directed and written by Ian Tuason in his feature debut, the film draws from his own life—specifically, his experience caring for his dying parents during the pandemic. This raw, emotional foundation adds depth to the story, transforming it into more than just a horror film; it’s a meditation on fear, loss, and the unknown. Tuason’s journey from creating 360-degree horror shorts on YouTube to this chilling feature is a testament to his vision.
The plot centers on Evy Babic (Nina Kiri), a troubled podcast host who, alongside her co-host Justin (Adam DiMarco), explores urban myths, unsolved cases, and paranormal activity. Their latest obsession? A set of anonymous audio files that reveal a pregnant couple’s descent into a nightmare. But here’s where it gets controversial: the film blurs the line between reality and the supernatural, leaving you questioning what’s real and what’s imagined. Is Evy’s growing paranoia a result of the recordings, her personal struggles, or something far more sinister?
Evy’s life is a mess. She’s battling sobriety, caring for her dying mother (Michele Duquet), and grappling with an unexpected pregnancy from a deadbeat boyfriend. Her podcast becomes her escape, but as she and Justin unravel the audio files—filled with reversed nursery rhymes and demonic messages—her skepticism begins to crack. And this is the part most people miss: the film isn’t just about external horror; it’s about the terror within, the fears we carry and the choices we make when faced with the unknown.
The sound design is the real star here. It’s so immersive that you’ll find yourself closing your eyes to focus on the layers of whispers, creaks, and eerie silences. Even when the film dips into familiar horror territory toward the end, it never loses its originality. Kiri’s performance is a standout, carrying the weight of the film almost single-handedly, while DiMarco’s smooth delivery adds a compelling dynamic to their on-screen relationship.
Undertone is a bold entry into the horror genre, a film that dares to be different. It’s the Blair Witch Project for a new generation, proving that sometimes, the scariest things are the ones we can’t see. But here’s the question: does true horror lie in the supernatural, or in the darkness we carry within ourselves? Let’s discuss in the comments—I’m curious to hear your take.
Title: Undertone
Festival: Sundance – Midnights
Distributor: A24 Films
Release Date: March 13, 2026
Director/Screenplay: Ian Tuason
Cast: Nina Kiri, Adam DiMarco, Michele Duquet
Running Time: 1 hour and 34 minutes
