Talk about frustrating.
Undertone, written and directed by Ian Tuason and distributed by A24, is the kind of movie that clearly wants to be clever—maybe a little too much so. It leans heavily on suggestion, ambiguity, and half-explained ideas in a way that seems designed to feel mysterious and intellectually provocative.
But instead of building intrigue, the film often feels frustratingly opaque. Scenes hint at deeper meaning without ever committing to it, and the story circles around its themes rather than actually exploring them. By the time the narrative starts to take shape, it becomes clear that the vagueness isn’t concealing anything particularly profound. The film spends so much time withholding information and speaking in riddles that it ultimately struggles to say anything of real consequence.
The film stars Nina Kiri as Evy, a paranormal podcast host who begins receiving disturbing audio recordings that seem tied to supernatural events. For a while, the premise is intriguing. The movie builds the sense that something complicated and meaningful is unfolding beneath the surface, but as it goes on, that promise never quite pays off.
To its credit, Undertone does a strong job of creating atmosphere. Tuason leans heavily into slow pacing, eerie sound design, and quiet stretches where tension builds through suggestion rather than action. That approach fits the movie’s podcast premise and creates a steady sense of unease. It’s the kind of moody, minimalist style audiences often associate with the A24 brand, and for a good portion of the runtime, it keeps the film engaging.
Kiri’s performance is a big part of why the movie works as well as it does. She carries much of the film largely on her own, reacting to voices and recordings that drive the story forward. Even when the dialogue drifts into vague, philosophical territory, she keeps the character grounded. The supporting cast—particularly Adam DiMarco as her unseen podcast co-host—adds texture, though much of their presence is heard rather than seen.
The problem is that Undertone often mistakes ambiguity for depth. The script frames its developments as clever twists or layered revelations, but many of them are easy to see coming. Conversations are written to sound thoughtful and psychologically complex, yet when you strip away the pauses and cryptic phrasing, there isn’t much substance underneath. The film builds itself like a puzzle, but never quite delivers the satisfying “aha” moment it seems to be aiming for.
None of this makes Undertone a bad movie. It’s well-acted, competently directed, and occasionally tense. But the combination of a moody style, a deliberately mysterious story, and the expectations that come with the A24 label sets the bar pretty high. In the end, the film misses the mark on the clever psychological thriller it wants to be. It’s watchable and interesting in places—but not nearly as smart as it thinks it is.
Undertone is currently playing in theaters.
MPAA Rating: R.
Runtime: 94 mins
Director: Ian Tuason
Writer: Ian Tuason
Cast: Nina Kiri; Adam DiMarco; Michèle Duquet
Genre: Sci-fi | Thriller
Tagline: It wants to be heard
Memorable Movie Quote: "Listen. Do you hear something?""
Distributor: A24
Official Site: https://a24films.com/films/undertone
Release Date: March 13, 2026
DVD/Blu-ray Release Date:
Synopsis: The host of a popular paranormal podcast becomes haunted by terrifying recordings mysteriously sent her way.
