A24's 'undertone' Explores Grief, Faith, and Haunting Family Ties

Director Ian Tuason and star Nina Kiri discuss the spiritual resonance of their atmospheric horror film.

Mar. 12, 2026 at 3:49pm

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In director Ian Tuason's audio horror film 'undertone,' Evy (Nina Kiri) is caring for her comatose mother and grappling with guilt over not taking her faith as seriously as her mother would have liked. As Evy records a paranormal podcast with her friend Justin (Kris Holden-Ried), she begins to doubt her own doubts when the recordings eerily echo her own experiences. Tuason and Kiri discuss the film's exploration of grief, faith, and the profound bond between mothers and children.

Why it matters

The film's themes of faith, guilt, and the supernatural strike a deep chord, particularly for those who have struggled with their relationship to religion or the loss of a parent. 'undertone' also showcases the creative potential of audio-based horror, challenging the genre's traditional reliance on visuals.

The details

Tuason filmed 'undertone' in the same house where he cared for his own ailing parents, adding a personal and paranormal significance to the project. The director wrote every audio cue in the script, meticulously choreographing the film's unsettling sound design. Kiri's performance as the guilt-ridden Evy is central to the film's emotional resonance, as she explores the character's complex relationship with her faith and her mother.

  • The film is set to open in theaters on March 13, 2026.

The players

Ian Tuason

The director of 'undertone' who drew inspiration from his own experiences caring for his ailing parents.

Nina Kiri

The lead actress of 'undertone' who portrays Evy, a woman grappling with guilt over her relationship with her religious mother.

Kris Holden-Ried

The actor who plays Justin, Evy's friend and co-host of the paranormal podcast.

Michèle Duquet

The actress who plays Evy's comatose mother, whose faith is a central source of tension in the film.

Kahlil Gibran

The author of the book 'The Prophet,' which Tuason gave to Kiri as part of her preparation for the role.

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What they’re saying

“Even in pre-production, it seems that you all were mindful of the spiritual 'undertone' that taps into a very particular grief: that of a parent either unsure of their child's salvation or concerned that their child may not go to Heaven.”

— Zachary Lee, Interviewer

“There's that voice message that Evy keeps listening to, and I put it in there because I wanted to show why Evy feels guilty, and how Momma is almost guilt-tripping Evy for not going to church.”

— Ian Tuason, Director

“Evy is a character who's rattled with guilt, and she's asking herself: 'Could I have been better towards my faith? Should I have taken better care of Momma?' That guilt is easy for me to access because at so many points in life I felt I wasn't as good as I should have been, and I could have been better, even when I was just doing what I could.”

— Nina Kiri, Actress

What’s next

Tuason is currently writing sequels to 'undertone' that will further explore the relationship between Evy and her mother.

The takeaway

At its core, 'undertone' is a poignant exploration of the complex and often fraught relationship between parents and children, particularly when it comes to matters of faith and spirituality. The film's atmospheric horror elements serve to heighten the emotional stakes, challenging viewers to confront their own doubts and fears about the divine.