Full Breakdown
A24's _Undertone_: A New Audio-Driven Horror Experience
1/9/2026, 10:21:27 PM
Overview of the Film
_A24_ has announced the upcoming release of _Undertone_, a horror film directed by Ian Tuason, set to hit theaters on March 13, 2026. The film stars Nina Kiri as Evy, a host of a paranormal podcast who becomes embroiled in a terrifying experience after receiving a series of mysterious audio recordings. These recordings, sent by her co-host Justin (played by Adam DiMarco), come from a young pregnant couple documenting paranormal disturbances in their home. As Evy listens to the tapes, she finds unsettling parallels between their experiences and her own life, particularly as she cares for her dying mother.
Background and Context
_Evoking themes of grief and isolation_, _Undertone_ marks Tuason's feature film debut after previously directing short films. The film premiered at the 2025 Fantasia Film Festival, where it garnered positive reviews and won the gold audience award for Canadian films. Following its success, A24 acquired distribution rights through a competitive bidding process, underscoring the film's anticipated impact in the horror genre.
Unique Sound Design
What sets _Undertone_ apart is its heavy reliance on sound as a vehicle for horror. The film's narrative unfolds primarily through audio recordings, creating an immersive experience that emphasizes psychological dread. Critics have noted that the sound design is integral to the film's atmosphere, with moments of silence and unsettling audio contributing to the overall tension. This approach has led to comparisons with other horror films that utilize sound effectively, such as _The Ring_ and _Host_.
Official Statements & Responses
In discussing the film, Tuason stated, “With _Undertone_, I’m crafting a horror experience that doesn’t just evoke fear—it engulfs you in it, using immersive sound design to make silence as terrifying as the unknown.” Nina Kiri added, “It takes a lot of courage to write something based on a painful and terrifying experience,” highlighting the personal nature of the film's narrative.
Criticism & Opposition
While the film has received considerable buzz, some critics have expressed skepticism about the reliance on audio as the primary horror element. They argue that without visual cues, the film may struggle to maintain tension throughout its runtime. However, many fans of the genre are eager to see how Tuason's unique vision translates to the screen.
What's Next
Following its theatrical release, _Undertone_ is also set to screen at the 2026 Sundance Film Festival, where it will be featured in the Midnight section. This platform will provide further exposure and potentially solidify its status as a standout entry in the horror genre for the year.
Verbatim Quotes
- “It wants to be heard!” — _Trailer for _Undertone_
- “This film was born from the grief and love I carried for my mom in her final days,” — Ian Tuason, Director
As the release date approaches, _Undertone_ is poised to captivate audiences with its chilling premise and innovative sound design, promising a fresh take on horror that resonates with both personal and supernatural themes.
