“Undertone” Trailer
A24 has released the trailer for “Undertone,” featuring Nina Kiri and Adam DiMarco, which is both written and directed by Ian Tuason.
You know, it’s surprising how much sound matters in horror films. I mean, a good chunk of the jumps and shocks comes from sudden noises. Okay, maybe there’s no hard data to back that up, but you get what I mean—just roll with it. Try watching a horror flick on mute, and you’ll see what I mean. Take the infamous shower scene from Hitchcock’s Psycho, for instance. Sure, Norman Bates looming with a knife is unsettling, but it’s really that piercing violin score that has terrified audiences for decades.
Not many horror films fully harness sound as a storytelling element, yet A24’s “Undertone” does so quite effectively.
In the story, we follow Evie (Nina Kiri), who co-hosts “The Undertone Podcast” with Justin (Adam DiMarco). Justin, based in London, investigates paranormal tales submitted by listeners. The catch? They record these sessions in the wee hours, while Evie is home caring for her terminally ill mother, referred to as “Mama” (Michelle Duque), who is now in hospice care. Interestingly, it’s just Evie and her mother that we see throughout the whole film—Justin only appears via phone calls.
In a recent podcast episode, Justin gives Evie a heads-up about a cryptic email from an anonymous listener, containing some eerie audio files. These recordings are of Mike and Jessa (Jeff Yong and Keena Lynn Bastidas), a couple expecting their first child. At first, the recordings seem harmless—just Mike trying to capture evidence of his wife talking in her sleep. But as they delve deeper into the recordings and Jessa’s social media, things spiral into something more sinister. They uncover that the couple is haunted by Abizu, a mythical demon who torments mothers and is infamous for causing miscarriages.
Things take a turn when, while watching footage reminiscent of the “Ring” curse, the spirit of Abizu starts to invade Evie’s life, affecting both her and her mother.
Nina Kiri, known for her role in “The Handmaid’s Tale,” carries a lot of the emotional weight here—what with her mother being bedridden and all. It’s a quiet performance that really pulls you in. Adam DiMarco, who’s gained attention from his role in the Italian “The White Lotus” and the recent series “Overcompensation,” brings a heartfelt touch as Evie’s emotional anchor, solely through his voice.
But honestly, it’s the sound design that steals the show.
The meticulous attention given to sound—from the unsettling audio clips to the little noises Evie hears around the house—is remarkable. Major props to the sound team. There’s this phrase Justin repeats at the end of their podcasts: “Don’t be afraid of the dark, don’t be afraid of the silence.” This really sums up the atmosphere. And let me tell you about the cinematography; Graham Beesley’s work adds an eerie layer that feels almost like a character itself.
Writer and director Ian Tuason makes a substantial impact with “Undertone,” his feature debut. He’s managed to tell a compelling story within certain constraints, and whether it’s a stroke of luck or skill is yet to be seen. Either way, I think he’s one to watch moving forward.
A24, originally known for independent films, is gradually moving into mainstream territory, especially in the horror genre. Films like “The Witches,” “Hereditary,” and “Midsommar” show how bold they’ve become. It’s a pity that despite “Undertone” offering real scares, it might fly under the radar since it lacks the blockbuster appeal of franchises like Scream 7.
Verdict
“Undertone” is an unsettling slow burn that highlights the artistry of filmmaking. If you get the chance, definitely catch it in a theater equipped for Dolby Atmos. It’s not just a film you see; it’s one you want to hear. Worth watching for any horror fan.
