Dark horror film 'Undertone' opens
Ian Tuason's horror film 'Undertone' is opening this Friday, praised for its aggressive sound design and unique narrative [http://www.unseenfilms.net/2026/03/undertone-2025-opens-friday.html, https://www.avclub.com/undertone-review]. The film involves a podcast host encountering ancient evil through modern technology [http://www.unseenfilms.net/2026/03/undertone-2025-opens-friday.html]. Reviews highlight its unsettling atmosphere and innovative use of sound [http://www.unseenfilms.net/2026/03/undertone-2025-opens-friday.html, https://www.avclub.com/undertone-review].
Ian Tuason's directorial debut, *Undertone*, premiered at the Fantasia International Film Festival in July 2025 and garnered a seven-figure distribution deal with A24. The film was shot in Toronto in February 2025. Nina Kiri stars as Evy, a paranormal podcast host caring for her dying mother (Michèle Duquet). Adam DiMarco voices Justin, Evy's podcast co-host. All characters besides Evy and her mother are heard as off-screen voices, heightening the film's focus on sound. Tuason initially conceived *Undertone* as a found-footage radio play during the COVID-19 pandemic. Personal experiences caring for his sick parents influenced the script, transforming it into a cathartic exploration of grief, guilt, and faith. His mother passed away in April 2021 and his father in October 2023. *Undertone* uses sound to create horror, employing techniques like reversed audio, layered background noises, and sudden silences. The film emphasizes Evy's isolation through sound, with other characters often present only as voices. Vertigo Releasing acquired distribution rights for the UK, Ireland, Australia, and New Zealand.
