Undertone: A Paranormal Podcast Turned Cinematic Phenomenon
Undertone, the new R-rated horror sensation from A24, is making major waves across the film landscape, but not in the way one might expect. After its theatrical release following a buzzworthy premiere at the Fantasia International Film Festival, this supernatural thriller has set film forums and review platforms ablaze due to a striking divide between critics and audiences.
A Paranormal Mystery Wrapped in Ambiguity
The core of Undertone is luridly simple: Evy, a skeptical podcaster portrayed by Nina Kiri, embarks on an eerie investigation into strange recordings involving a married couple and bizarre, inexplicable sounds. What follows is a slow spiral into paranoia, as Evy – typically unmoved by superstitious claims – discovers that some mysteries are best left unexplored. As listeners of fictional true crime podcasts will attest, audio-based horror hits differently, and Undertone capitalizes on this intimacy, making the theater experience unnervingly tense.
The Rotten Tomatoes Dilemma: Critics vs. Audience
When critics first got their hands on Undertone, the response was notably positive, earning a solid 76% critics score. They praised the film’s immersive sound design, unnerving atmosphere, and willingness to lean into psychological horror without easy answers. The technical approach – especially the use of sound to generate dread – drew comparisons to other A24 standouts known for mood over jump scares.
However, things took a sharp turn with general audiences. Undertone’s audience score plummeted to 52%, sparking debate across social media and film communities. Many viewers described the film as underwhelming or frustratingly slow, especially considering its sub-90-minute run time. The split comes down to expectation: while critics reveled in the ambiguity and interpretive storytelling, the mainstream crowd clamored for a punchier payoff. The unresolved mysteries and a deliberately ambiguous ending left many moviegoers cold, a reminder that horror’s effectiveness is always, quite literally, in the ear of the beholder.
Indie Horror, Major Profits
Despite the critical split, Undertone is already a remarkable commercial success. With a modest production budget of just $500,000, the film quickly raked in over $4.3 million domestically. This achievement cements its status as one of A24’s most profitable low-budget horror features, joining the ranks of other indie smash hits that have excelled in turning limited resources into big box office returns.
This financial performance also situates Undertone as A24’s second major box office success of 2026, following the strong performance of Pillion, starring Harry Melling and Alexander Skarsgård. The indie studio thus continues to prove that innovative genre films with sharp ideas and tight budgets can leave a lasting mark, both artistically and financially.
The Future: More Mystery on the Horizon?
Fans obsessed with the lingering questions left by Undertone may have something to look forward to. Director Ian Tuason – making his directorial debut with this film and also serving as writer – has teased plans for a potential trilogy. Collaboration with A24 on further installments is already in early discussion. If the studio follows through, future chapters could illuminate the enigmatic events and psychological puzzles that have sparked so much debate among viewers. For horror fans who enjoy piecing together cryptic narrative threads, the potential for a continuing saga is tantalizing.
Meet the Cast and Crew
Aside from Nina Kiri’s stand-out performance as Evy, Undertone features a strong supporting cast: Adam DiMarco, Michèle Duquet, Keana Lyn Bastidas, Jeff Yung, Sarah Beaudin, and Brian Quintero. Producers Cody Calahan and Dan Slater brought Tuason’s chilling vision to the screen, blending current podcasting culture with supernatural dread—a unique mix that sets the film apart from typical found-footage or possession fare.
What Makes Undertone Different?
In a crowded horror market, Undertone stands out for its moody soundscapes, cerebral pace, and willingness to trade easy scares for lingering discomfort. It invites comparison to recent horror hits that cater to fans of psychological unraveling over blood and thunder. Whether the unique approach will influence more horror projects or remain a divisive cult artifact is still unfolding, but its profound impact on both critics and fans is undeniable. If you’re obsessing over the missing puzzle pieces, now is the time to experience the controversy—Undertone is now playing in theaters.
