tech
January 29, 2026
Undertone review
Sundance film festival: there are some effective early moments in this ultra low-budget, audio-first horror but deja vu soon replaces intrigue
TL;DR
- 'Undertone' is a debut horror feature by writer-director Ian Tuason, acquired by A24.
- The film features horror podcasters who receive a set of mysterious recordings, drawing comparisons to films like 'Paranormal Activity,' 'Session 9,' and 'The Ring.'
- Shot on a low budget of $500,000 entirely within Tuason's home, the film primarily uses audio footage to create suspense.
- Lead character Eva, a skeptic podcaster, struggles with personal issues while investigating unsettling audio files.
- The film's plot becomes repetitive and incorporates familiar horror tropes, particularly in its latter half.
- Despite its shortcomings, the film has been praised for its resourceful use of a low budget and has led to Tuason being signed for a 'Paranormal Activity' reboot.
- 'Undertone' is screening at Sundance and will be released in cinemas on March 13th.
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