Horror movie fans have been eagerly awaiting the release of “Undertone,” claiming it will be the scariest movie of the year. However, I would argue that it doesn’t cause that lingering, unsettling feeling that a scary film should.
After its initial debut at a Canadian film festival in 2025, the movie was released in the United States on March 13, 2026 by A24, a renowned film and television production and distribution company that has distributed other incredible horror films such as “Climax,” “Bring Her Back,” and “Hereditary.” Directed by Ian Tuason, “Undertone” follows main character Evy, played by Nina Kiri, and her friend Justin, played by Adam DiMarco. The pair co-host “The Undertone Podcast,” where they only cover creepy content. Evy also cares for her mama who is bedridden and seems to be in a state of comatose. She rarely leaves the house to see her boyfriend; she does not want to leave her mama’s side.
Late one evening, Evy sits down, puts her headphones on, and prepares to record an episode with Justin. They come across something unfathomable when Justin shares that he received a strange email with several voice recordings attached. In these audios, a husband wants to prove to his expecting wife that she talks in her sleep, so he records each night after they go to bed. When things go quiet, audiences can hear the wife mumbling something abnormal. She is singing “London Bridge is Falling Down,” but in reverse.
Evy and Justin spiral into a dark web search about children’s songs and the disturbing meanings behind them. During this search, Evy discovers that she is pregnant, but she is not ready to be a mother.
As they uncover the rest of the audio, the hosts slowly grow entranced — perhaps possessed — by the paranormal activity that occurs among the couple.
Throughout the film, there were moments where the screen went black, and you could hear voices. I became disengaged as it felt like the movie was wasting time in these scenes. It’s only toward the end when all the chaos unfolds. Perhaps, if the ending had been more spread out, the film would’ve been more horrifying.
An interesting aspect is that the film never leaves Mama’s house. Mama always remains there, asleep, and Evy always tends to her. Whenever Evy records her podcasts, it appears she is working at night. Darkness surrounds her, the blinds remain shut, and the sun is usually blocked out. This creates an isolated atmosphere, making viewers feel closed off from the outside world. I was intrigued by this aspect, but the jump scares that occur in the house felt repetitive and common amongst horror movies.
Many YouTubers and influencers have hyped up “Undertone,” which fully convinced me that I needed to see the film. After leaving the theater, I didn’t feel pleased. I expected more horror. However, Kiri gave a riveting performance, and the setting of an old house decorated with antique furniture and pale wallpaper was unique. I would give this movie three-and-a-half out of five Big Oles.
