Undertone: The New Wave of Horror Storytelling Begins
When it comes to innovative horror, few studios make waves like A24. Their latest addition, Undertone, directed by Ian Tuason, doesn’t just unsettle—it’s laying a blueprint for something much bigger. At first glance, it’s the story of Evy (Nina Kiri), a dedicated paranormal podcast host juggling real life and ghost stories. But beneath its chilling exterior, director Ian Tuason is meticulously orchestrating a trilogy that promises to push horror cinema into new psychological and supernatural territory.
A Podcast Gone Wrong—And Into Something Darker
At the heart of Undertone is Evy, whose podcast with Justin (Kristen Holden-Ried) dives into urban legends and creepypasta horror. Their latest tip: anonymous, deeply disturbing nighttime recordings from listeners Mike and Jessa, whose lives spiral as supernatural hauntings become lethal. What seems like another urban legend investigation soon morphs into something personal, as Evy’s own world starts to fracture. The film’s horror roots draw heavily from modern genre-definers like «The Ring» and «Smile,» both of which masterfully wring tension from cursed media spreading like a virus among the unsuspecting.
Abyzou: A Demon, an Enigma, a Franchise in the Making
As the plot sharpens, it becomes clear the entity lurking behind the recordings is no average specter, but Abyzou—a demon whose legacy in mythology is one of malice and despair. In Undertone, Abyzou’s presence is more than just a source of scares; she shapes the reality around the characters. Evy’s hallucinations, her drawings transforming into ominous prophecies, and the chilling motif of suffocation all point to a sophisticated horror engine, setting the stage for deeper explorations in future installments.
Trilogy Ambitions: How Undertone Could Expand
While Undertone leaves plenty of bodies and even more questions, Tuason isn’t content with a single descent into darkness. According to the director, plans are in motion to expand the film into a full horror trilogy. The possibilities are tantalizing. Could Evy and Justin have survived their encounter, drawn deeper into the mystery behind Abyzou’s curse and the origins of those creepy audio files? Or will the sinister force leap to new victims, continuing a cycle of terror without resetting the ambiguous finale of the first chapter? In spirit, this could echo the sequel approach of films like «Smile,» where the narrative torch is passed—or cursed—onto the next unwitting character, all while building layered mythology and meta-commentary on media consumption.
Critical Buzz & A24’s Model for Horror Franchises
Already, Undertone is earning acclaim among horror aficionados and critics, holding a healthy approval rating and shattering box office expectations relative to its lean production budget. Such success has precedent at A24: the studio’s hit with the «X» trilogy proved that when a horror property resonates—with fresh ideas and a robust creative vision—the appetite for sequels and expanded universes is real. Should Tuason’s trilogy move forward, it’s poised to join the ranks of modern horror sagas that blur the lines between standalone terror and richly interconnected storytelling.
Technical Precision: Why Undertone Stands Out
Part of what makes Undertone so unnerving is its command of sound design and subversive structure. The film leans into audio as both a storytelling device and a source of dread—a clever nod to the podcast age, where what we hear often carries more terror than what we see. Tuason’s dedication to atmospheric detail echoes the artistry found in boundary-pushing horror titles, delivering psychological scares without leaning on cheap tricks or empty shocks.
What’s Next for Undertone Fans?
For those ready to dive deeper into the evolving lore of Abyzou or dissect the ambiguous fate of Evy and Justin, the future promises meticulous world-building, and perhaps, a commentary on the very act of consuming horror itself. As fans and newcomers await news of the next chapter, Undertone has secured its place not just as a standout debut, but as the opening salvo of what could be an era-defining horror trilogy.
