A24’s Undertone (2026) is a Familiar yet Effective Supernatural Assault on the Senses

Title: Undertone

First Non-Festival Release: March 13, 2026 (Theatrical Release)

Director: Ian Tuason

Writer: Ian Tuason

Runtime: 94 Minutes

Starring: Nina Kiri, Adam DiMarco, Michèle Duquet

Where to Watch: Check out where to find it here

Some things affect humans on a psychological level more than others. Oftentimes without our intrinsic understanding to how, our bodies and brains are primed to identify patterns, assess our surroundings, and search for meaning, even if there is none, to why things happen. This is great when we use these strengths for tangible or productive goals. It can be downright debilitating when permitting minds are given space to wander.

Podcasting co-hosts Evy (Nina Kiri) and Justin (Adam DiMarco) discuss the paranormal on their show. Based on the concept of having conversations between a true believer and a skeptic, the pair have cultivated a following that keeps them busy. Evy can only commit so much time to their podcast due to her caretaking responsibilities for her dying mother (Michèle Duquet). When they receive a mysterious email with ten audio file attachments, they decide to make content out of this development. As they play through the files, they are lured down a dark path that will reveal something terrifying lurking in the shadows.

A sleek supernatural thrill ride, A24’s podcast horror Undertone is scary enough despite its familiarity.

Evy’s situation is far from ideal. Taking on the immense pressure and responsibility of caring for her ailing mother while working a job and hosting a podcast, Evy’s world is already pretty fragile. Isolated from her peers, dealing with the strain noticeable between herself and her boyfriend, and obsessed with the idea that something is off with their latest inspiration for the show, Evy’s descent into conspiracy becomes Undertone’s driving force. Billed as the show’s skeptic, Evy’s gradual unravelling infuses with her frustrations of taking care of her mother and the guilt she feels as her condition deteriorates. Doubting herself and unable to find a rational explanation, Evy is primed to consider alternatives to what should be answerable. It’s in these moments where Evy is stretched where the supernatural takes over, in subtle but convincing ways, before reaching its overwhelming climax.

This is where Undertone begins stumbling, as its attempts to make children songs frightening becomes an easy litmus test for how an audience member will receive the plot point. Repetitive conceits like progressively more violent children’s drawings and loud glitches warning of impending paranormal scares characterize Undertone. Focusing solely on Evy’s responses to the scares, it gets difficult to ignore the phenomena even for a skeptic. Its reliance on tropes and traditional jump scares may make Undertone tiring for a genre vet despite its generally well-done execution. Much like the children’s songs it twists, Undertone’s approach to horror is well-intentioned but not particularly memorable.

While its story hits familiar beats for supernatural horror, Undertone is a feast for the ears. Taking its podcasting premise at face value, Undertone takes time building to the moment that Evy finally must confront the difficult truths she now faces. Along the way, she’s tortured by the entity’s deft control of her surroundings. Shaping the dynamics of the film, Undertone sweeps between the quiet and the bombastic, showcasing a deep understanding for effective tension building. These technical elements paired with the film’s confident cinematography do great work in making the home look and feel like a modern tomb.

Striking imagery draws viewers’ attention to the peripherals while deliberate camerawork allows Undertone to glide through its haunted house of horrors with aplomb. There’s a real gloss to Undertone that gives its story a lean quality to it, even when it gets lost in the mystery. Playing with shadow, color, and light, Undertone transforms its setting into something far more sinister. The otherwise homely appearance of Evy’s mother’s home is juxtaposed nicely with its devilish makeover. Littered with threatening words and pictures, Evy, and the audience, is assaulted with terrifying imagery to the point where it becomes unbearable. This is where Undertone excels, the moments in which it pushes its lead far beyond what most would handle. It’s a shame that the psychological toll only goes so far thanks to the story, but Undertone makes for a riveting experience all the same.

Familiar, yet effective, Undertone is a solid supernatural horror film that should scare anyone sensitive enough to its subject matter. Constructing a soundscape as evil as its central entity, Undertone shines when it is left to scaring the audience. Its reliance on the sharper approach to scares leaves more to be desired from its story. Still, Undertone is a well-made and entertaining supernatural horror that should hopefully scare just a few more podcasters away from the medium.

Overall Score? 7/10