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At Sundance, A24’s 'Undertone' Draws Praise for Sound Ahead of March 13 Release

The debut, filmed in Ian Tuason’s Toronto childhood home, leans on an audio-first approach that reviewers say heightens its dread.

Overview

  • Evy, played by Nina Kiri, returns home to care for her dying mother as eerie events mirror ten anonymous audio recordings examined on her late-night paranormal podcast.
  • Critics at Sundance highlight the film’s meticulous sound design as its standout feature, noting its potency in theaters and on headphones.
  • Kiri’s near solo on-screen performance anchors the single-location narrative, with other key characters heard only through audio.
  • A24 acquired the film after its festival bow, reopened the edit, and set a U.S. theatrical release for March 13, 2026.
  • Ian Tuason cites influences from Paranormal Activity to The Babadook and describes mapping a creeps-to-scares rhythm, as some reviews question the protagonist’s skepticism and the finale’s payoff.