Horror fans are always on the hunt for the next adrenaline rush, the film that truly gets under your skin. While jump scares have become commonplace, a new wave of horror is prioritizing atmosphere and psychological tension. A24’s upcoming release, “Undertone,” directed by Ian Tuason, isn’t relying on cheap thrills; it’s building dread through a meticulously crafted soundscape, and early reactions suggest it’s a uniquely terrifying experience best suited for the immersive environment of a movie theater.
The film centers on Evy (Nina Kiri), a podcaster caring for her ailing mother, who receives a series of unsettling audio recordings. These recordings, purportedly documenting a couple’s paranormal encounters, begin to bleed into Evy’s reality, blurring the lines between the digital and the tangible. While the narrative itself might tread familiar ground for seasoned horror viewers, the execution, specifically the sound design, is what sets “Undertone” apart. As /Film’s Chris Evangelista noted, the film utilizes “impeccable sound design and making great use of negative space” to create a “continuous amount of dread.”
What makes “Undertone” so effective isn’t necessarily what you hear, but how you hear it. The film’s power lies in its ability to manipulate the audience’s perception, creating a sense of unease that permeates every scene. This isn’t a movie to casually stream from your couch; it’s an experience designed to be felt, and that requires the best possible audio setup.
The Sound of Fear: A Deliberate Design
According to a recent interview with /Film’s Ben Pearson, sound design was always at the forefront of Ian Tuason’s vision for “Undertone.” Tuason described a painstaking process of experimentation, constantly questioning the placement and impact of every sound. “Is the negative space in the background in front of Evy or behind Evy? Where’s the negative space in relation to Evy? Is the entire shot negative space?” he pondered during production. The director even kept a detailed Word document mapping out sound cues alongside camera directions, ultimately resulting in a shooting script that was approximately 270 pages long.
This dedication to sound extends to the source material itself. The eerie audio clips Evy receives were recorded organically, using iPhones operated by actors Jeff Yung and Keana Lyn Bastidas, who voice the couple experiencing the paranormal activity. Crucially, Nina Kiri, the actress portraying Evy, listened to these recordings for the first time while filming, allowing her genuine reactions to be captured on camera. This approach, as Tuason explained, enhances the audience’s immersion, as Kiri’s experience mirrors their own – a shared sense of anticipation, and dread.
A Theatrical Experience Unlike Any Other
The immersive quality of “Undertone” reportedly extends beyond the sound design. The film is intentionally confined to a single location, focusing solely on Evy’s perspective. This claustrophobic setting, combined with the unsettling audio, creates a palpable sense of isolation and vulnerability. One attendee at a press screening recounted a moment where a “RESERVED” sign fell from a seat, causing a collective gasp from the audience – a testament to the film’s ability to shatter the fourth wall and tap into primal anxieties.
Tuason acknowledges that the story of “Undertone” isn’t groundbreaking, but argues that the film’s strength lies in its execution. The practical sound design, combined with Kiri’s authentic reactions, creates a truly unsettling experience that transcends narrative predictability. The director believes that the film’s effectiveness is diminished when viewed outside of a theater, emphasizing the importance of a high-quality sound system – ideally Dolby Atmos – to fully appreciate the intricate soundscape.
What’s Next for A24 and the Future of Horror?
“Undertone” is currently playing in theaters nationwide. A24 continues to be a driving force in independent horror, consistently releasing films that push boundaries and challenge genre conventions. The company’s 2026 slate includes “Pillion,” “The Drama,” “Mother Mary,” “Backrooms,” and “The Death of Robin Hood,” suggesting a continued commitment to innovative and unsettling storytelling. A24’s success demonstrates a growing appetite for horror that prioritizes atmosphere, psychological tension, and unique cinematic experiences over traditional jump scares.
If you’re a horror fan seeking a truly immersive and unsettling experience, “Undertone” is a must-see – but be sure to see it in a theater with the best sound system available. The film is a potent reminder that sometimes, the scariest things are the ones you can’t quite see, but can definitely feel.
What are your thoughts on the evolving landscape of horror? Share your favorite unsettling cinematic experiences in the comments below!
