Minimalist horror 'Undertone' uses audio and soundscapes to scare you

Director Ian Tuason's debut film is already being called the 'scariest movie you'll ever hear'

Mar. 12, 2026 at 7:36pm

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Ian Tuason's minimalist horror film 'Undertone' is set to open in theaters on Friday the 13th. The film, which premiered at the Sundance Film Festival, uses audio and soundscapes to scare audiences, with one character, Evy, a paranormal podcaster, at the center of the story. Tuason, who has made a name for himself in virtual reality and immersive 3D sound, wrote a 250-page script filled with audio cues, stripping down the visuals to focus on the power of suggestion through sound.

Why it matters

Tuason's approach to horror filmmaking, relying on audio and soundscapes rather than traditional visuals, represents a unique and innovative take on the genre. The film's success could pave the way for more minimalist, audio-driven horror experiences that challenge audiences to use their imagination to fill in the gaps.

The details

In 'Undertone,' Evy is a paranormal podcaster caring for her dying, comatose mother. When she and her remote co-host investigate a series of unnerving audio files sent anonymously, Evy's skepticism is rattled. Tuason wrote the script with every audio cue in mind, resulting in a 250-page document. During production, he even removed some of the planned visuals, stripping the film down to its barest form - a woman listening to audio clips and reacting to them. The film was mixed in Dolby to fully realize Tuason's vision for an immersive audio experience.

  • The film 'Undertone' opens in theaters on Friday, March 13, 2026.

The players

Ian Tuason

The writer and director of 'Undertone,' who has made a name for himself in virtual reality and immersive 3D sound. Tuason drew from personal experiences of caring for his terminally ill parents during the pandemic to craft the film's deeply personal story.

Evy

The main character of 'Undertone,' a paranormal podcaster who is caring for her dying, comatose mother. Evy is the skeptic of the podcast, but an investigation into a series of unnerving audio files shakes her beliefs.

Nina Kiri

The actress who portrays the character of Evy in 'Undertone.'

Adam DiMarco

Evy's remote co-host on the paranormal podcast featured in 'Undertone.'

Cody Calahan

The producer of 'Undertone.'

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What they’re saying

“My favorite thing about this whole process is just watching it with audiences. I think that's probably why I wanted to make a horror film … just to kind of witness the reactions. The same way as when you tell a ghost story at a campfire, it doesn't feel that great unless you see your friend scared.”

— Ian Tuason, Director

“Sound in movies, it makes space for the audience to imagine what they're not seeing. Whatever you imagine that's scary is going to be way scarier than what I can show you. There's going to be millions of different versions of this movie in millions of minds and that's all because of the power of suggestion driven by sound and a lot of negative space.”

— Ian Tuason, Director

“It's definitely meant to be seen in the theater in Dolby, because that is the exact vision that Ian had. But at home, on headphones, alone, it is a different experience … You can kind of watch it twice.”

— Cody Calahan, Producer

What’s next

The film 'Undertone' is set to open in theaters on Friday, March 13, 2026.

The takeaway

Ian Tuason's 'Undertone' represents a bold and innovative approach to horror filmmaking, relying on audio and soundscapes to create an immersive and unsettling experience for audiences. The film's success could inspire more filmmakers to explore the power of suggestion and imagination in the horror genre, moving beyond traditional visual scares.