Paranormal Podcast Turns Perilous in 'Undertone'

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In 'Undertone,' writer-director Ian Tuason's feature debut, the 30-something Evy Babic lives with her dying, comatose mother and hosts a paranormal podcast with her co-host Justin. When they receive a mysterious set of audio files from an anonymous emailer, the story they uncover becomes increasingly unsettling and perilous, blending horror and audio in a gripping but ultimately uneven experience.

Why it matters

Tuason's evident filmmaking talent in crafting a tense, atmospheric horror film solely through audio cues and a minimalist setting showcases his potential as a filmmaker to watch. However, the movie's disappointing second half, which veers into more traditional horror tropes, undercuts the nuanced tension built in the first half.

The details

The film never leaves Evy's small, two-story home, where her mother lies comatose upstairs while Evy records her paranormal podcast downstairs. When an anonymous emailer sends them 10 audio files, Evy and Justin begin listening and recording, uncovering a disturbing story about a married, pregnant couple. As the recordings grow closer to Evy's own life, the movie plays on the audience's anxiety for her isolated, headphone-wearing state.

• The movie is set in the present day.
• The events depicted take place over the course of a single night.

What they’re saying

What’s next

The film's unsettling conclusion leaves the audience wondering about the fate of Evy and the implications of the audio recordings she and Justin uncovered.