Particle.news
Download on the App Store

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.