Undertone: Nina Kiri Stars in Haunting Sundance Horror Film

Ian Tuason’s directorial debut, undertone, is a slow-burn indie horror that’s already making waves. The film, which premiered at the 2025 Fantasia International Film Festival before screening at the Sundance Film Festival on January 24th, has been picked up by A24, and is garnering attention for its innovative sound design and unsettling atmosphere. The film centers on a paranormal podcast and the isolating experience of grief, and features a captivating performance from Nina Kiri.

A Soundscape of Isolation

undertone distinguishes itself through its focus on sound. The story follows Evy Babic, played by Nina Kiri, co-host of the paranormal podcast “The Undertone.” Kiri, known for her roles in series like The Handmaid’s Tale, delivers a nuanced performance as a woman grappling with isolation and a haunting mystery. Unlike many horror films that rely on visual jump scares, undertone builds tension through its aural landscape. We primarily hear Evy’s co-host, Justin (Adam DiMarco, of The White Lotus fame), through headphones as she records their podcast remotely.

The film’s premise revolves around a series of anonymously submitted audio recordings that Evy and Justin begin to investigate. As they delve deeper, they uncover hidden messages when the recordings are played in reverse, leading to a fragmented and increasingly terrifying reality for Evy. This isn’t simply a haunted house story; it’s a character study of a woman already emotionally vulnerable, caring for her catatonic mother (Michèle Duquet) and seemingly held together by the podcast as her only connection to the outside world.

Personal Roots and Production Detail

The deeply personal nature of undertone stems from writer-director Ian Tuason’s own experiences with parental caregiving during the COVID-19 pandemic. Sadly, Tuason was unable to attend the Sundance screening due to unforeseen health issues, a fact noted by Kiri during the post-screening Q&A. She emphasized the generosity of Tuason in allowing the filmmakers to shoot in his childhood home, a location imbued with personal significance as he lost both parents in recent years.

The attention to detail in the film’s sound design is remarkable. Producer Cody Calahan revealed that Tuason provided a 300-page document outlining every sound element in the movie, essentially creating a “bible” for the production. This meticulous approach underscores the film’s central theme: the power of sound to shape perception and evoke fear. Producer Dan Slater added that there’s a sense that “something is with us, pushing it forward,” hinting at a mysterious force influencing the film’s creation.

A24 and the Indie Horror Landscape

The acquisition of undertone by A24 signals a continued investment in the indie horror genre. A24 has become a powerhouse in this space, known for supporting innovative and critically acclaimed films like Hereditary and X. Their distribution network and marketing expertise will undoubtedly facilitate undertone reach a wider audience.

The film’s success at both Fantasia and Sundance demonstrates a growing appetite for atmospheric, character-driven horror that prioritizes psychological tension over gore. This approach aligns with a broader trend in the genre, where filmmakers are exploring themes of isolation, grief, and trauma through a more nuanced and unsettling lens.

What’s Next for undertone?

Currently, a firm release date for undertone hasn’t been announced, but with A24’s involvement, a theatrical release followed by streaming availability is highly probable. Slater suggests that the film rewards repeat viewings, hinting at layers of hidden meaning and subtle details that viewers may miss on their first watch. He even jokes that watching the film backwards reveals “a lot more,” suggesting a complex and multi-layered narrative structure. Given A24’s typical release strategy, expect further details regarding distribution and availability in the coming months.

The film’s unique approach to horror, combined with its deeply personal roots and strong performances, positions undertone as a standout title in the indie horror landscape. It’s a film that promises to linger in the minds – and ears – of audiences long after the credits roll.