Entertainment Blog #414 | Undertone [2025] : Uozyba-ni-emoc!!
When it comes to supernatural horror, most films rely on frightening creatures, haunted houses, or relentless jump scares to keep audiences on edge. But some of the most unsettling horror stories understand that fear doesn't always come from what we see—it comes from what we hear. Undertone takes that idea and builds an atmosphere where silence becomes just as terrifying as sound, delivering a slow-burning horror experience that lingers long after the credits roll.
"Undertone" (2025) is a #horror #supernatural #thriller #mystery #movie written and directed by Ian Tuason in his feature directorial debut. The Canadian film stars Nina Kiri as Evy, alongside Adam DiMarco, Michèle Duquet, Keana Lyn Bastidas, and Jeff Yung. Running for 94 minutes, the film premiered at the Fantasia International Film Festival in 2025 before receiving a wider theatrical release through A24 in 2026. Made on a modest budget, it quickly gained attention for its unique approach to psychological horror and its remarkable use of sound design.
The story follows Evy, a skeptic who co-hosts a paranormal podcast with her longtime friend Justin. After moving back into her childhood home to care for her terminally ill mother, Evy's life takes a disturbing turn when the podcast receives a collection of anonymous audio recordings from a couple experiencing strange occurrences inside their home. At first, the recordings seem like another paranormal mystery to analyze, but it soon becomes clear that whatever is hidden within those audio files is beginning to affect Evy's own reality.
As the investigation continues, the line between imagination and the supernatural starts to disappear. The film cleverly avoids showing too much, instead allowing unsettling sounds, whispered voices, and eerie recordings to create an overwhelming sense of dread. Rather than relying on constant scares, Undertone slowly pulls both Evy and the audience into a nightmare where every new recording uncovers another terrifying piece of the puzzle. It's the kind of horror that rewards patience, allowing tension to build naturally before delivering its biggest moments.
Beyond the supernatural mystery, the film explores themes of grief, isolation, guilt, and the emotional burden of caring for a dying loved one. Evy's personal struggles become just as important as the paranormal investigation, making the horror feel deeply connected to her emotional state. The movie also reflects on humanity's obsession with uncovering the unknown, asking whether some mysteries are better left unheard. These emotional layers give the story more depth than a traditional haunted-house film, even when its horror elements become increasingly surreal.
What stood out most after watching the film was its incredible use of sound. Ian Tuason understands that audio can be just as frightening as visual effects, and the film constantly uses silence, distorted recordings, and subtle background noises to create an atmosphere that's genuinely unsettling. Nina Kiri delivers an excellent performance as Evy, carrying much of the film almost entirely on her own, while the decision to keep most supporting characters off-screen surprisingly works in the movie's favor, making the experience feel even more isolated. The pacing is deliberately slow, which may not appeal to everyone, but if you're willing to let the tension build, the payoff is well worth it.
From a production standpoint, Undertone is one of the year's biggest independent success stories. Produced on an estimated budget of just $500,000, the film went on to earn more than $21 million worldwide, an impressive achievement for a minimalist horror debut. Following its successful festival run and a competitive bidding process, A24 acquired worldwide distribution rights, helping introduce the film to a much larger audience and establishing Ian Tuason as one of horror's most promising new filmmakers.
Critically, the film received generally positive reviews, with many praising its immersive sound design, atmospheric direction, and restrained approach to horror. Critics highlighted how effectively it creates tension using audio rather than spectacle, although some felt the story borrowed familiar ideas from other supernatural classics and that the slower pacing wouldn't work for everyone. Audience reactions have been more divided. Horror fans who enjoy psychological, slow-burn storytelling largely appreciated its unique style, while others expected a faster-paced and more conventional horror experience. Even so, Undertone stands out as one of those rare films that proves what you hear can be far more frightening than what you see.
So can Evy uncover the truth behind the mysterious recordings before they consume her completely? Are the voices hiding evidence of a haunting, or something even more sinister? And when fear begins with a single sound, how do you escape something you can't stop hearing? It's up to you to find out.