Lilli Keeve
Undertone was a big hit from the Fantasia Film Festival last year and was successfully acquired by A24. It also screened at Sundance’s Midnight program this year. Directed by Canadian filmmaker Ian Tuason, the debut feature stars Nina Kiri, Adam DiMarco, and Michèle Duquet. Kiri plays Evy, a paranormal podcast host who returns to her childhood home (shot in Tuason’s own house) to care for her ailing mother. After receiving a series of disturbing recordings from a married couple who sound like they are being haunted by demonic entities, Evy becomes entangled in a never-ending loop of torment and terror.
A24 continues to be the leader of the horror genre, with some of my favorites being Hereditary, Talk to Me, Lamb, Heretic, and X. Given A24’s incredible track record, it’s no surprise that this trailer was extremely well done and didn’t give away much at all. Initially, what stands out to me most is the distinct use of sound in every frame, given that the primary focus is on what the protagonist experiences through her hearing. Her surroundings become scary and uncertain, as is evidently portrayed in dim lighting, the use of shadows, and framing. It’s also clever that the podcast element is a central narrative force since podcasts have exploded in popularity over the last couple of years.
It’s brilliant how the trailer emphasizes the isolation Evy is experiencing while listening to these terrifying audio recordings. More notably, every other voice is off-screen, and Evy is the only character we physically see. She is consistently shrouded in darkness and starts to question her reality (and that the evil has possibly been released in her house, stalking her every move). The film’s sharp sound design and creepy visuals go hand in hand, projecting Evy into an intense paranoia.
The film was inspired by events in Tuason’s life, enmeshing personal narratives with his podcasting experience. It will certainly be an intriguing and unique viewing experience best endured on the big screen. He mentioned in an interview that his film is categorized as “found audio, not found footage.” Tuason’s career is an exciting one to watch, as he is slated to direct and write the new Paranormal Activity reboot, set to come out in May 2027.
Needless to say, while I am not the biggest fan of horror films surrounding demonic activity and possessions, this one intrigues me. The trailer leaves a lot up to the viewer’s imagination, and the allure of not revealing or overexplaining the intricacies of the plot is already a smart marketing move.
Undertone will be released in theaters on March 13th, 2026.
