A24’s upcoming supernatural horror Undertone is scheduled for theatrical release on March 13, 2026, offering a sound-driven cinematic experience that directly intersects with the world of audio storytelling and podcasting — a connection especially relevant for creators, producers, and listeners alike.
Plot and Creative Team
Undertone is written and directed by Ian Tuason and stars Nina Kiri as Evy, the host of a paranormal podcast whose life begins to unravel after she starts receiving eerie and inexplicable audio recordings. These recordings — sent by a mysterious couple — become central to the film’s escalating tension and terror. The narrative explores psychological dread through sound and silence, with Evy confronting her own fears while caring for her dying mother.
The film’s cast also includes Adam DiMarco and Michèle Duquet, and it has drawn attention for its minimalist approach to horror: the only character seen on-screen is Evy, while all other voices are heard off-camera, highlighting the power of audio as a narrative device.
Sound Design and Podcast Relevance
Undertone’s emphasis on sound as a primary conduit for fear has become a focal point of early critical commentary. Reviews describe the film as an immersive example of how audio can shape atmosphere and unsettle audiences, with sound design crafted to tap into auditory imagination as deeply as visual horror.
For podcast creators and audio storytellers, this approach illustrates the emotional impact of sound beyond traditional narrative forms. Many podcasts already rely on audio cues, pacing, and environmental soundscapes to build tension or evoke mood; Undertone places those very elements at the heart of its horror, offering a cinematic case study in how sound alone can carry a story’s emotional weight.
Industry Buzz and Festival Reception
Undertone premiered to positive responses on the film festival circuit, including screenings at the Fantasia International Film Festival in 2025. Early reactions from critics and festival audiences have highlighted the movie’s innovative use of audio and psychological depth, with some comparing its tension and fear to genre touchstones like Paranormal Activity.
Posts from industry coverage also note that the film’s sound-centric scares could influence future horror storytelling, particularly in formats where audio plays a leading role. This crossover interest extends to podcast and narrative audio communities that value immersive, sensory experiences in storytelling.
Why Undertone Matters to Podcast Creators
Undertone’s concept — centering a paranormal podcast host — naturally resonates with podcast producers and listeners. It underscores how the podcasting medium can be a compelling foundation for fiction, particularly in genres like horror and mystery where sound cues, pacing, and listener imagination are crucial.
For creators building narrative podcasts, scripted series, or audio dramas, Undertone offers a timely example of how auditory elements can drive narrative impact. Instead of relying primarily on visuals, the film experiments with minimalist visuals paired with unsettling soundscapes — a dynamic that mirrors audio-first storytelling techniques used in successful narrative podcasts.
Release and Audience Expectations
With its theatrical release set for March 13, 2026, Undertone arrives at a moment when interest in sound-driven media continues to grow. The horror genre, in particular, has seen a resurgence in works that explore psychological fear through auditory experience and subtle immersion rather than traditional jump scares.
Undertone’s release invites both entertainment audiences and podcasting communities to consider how audio — often taken for granted in visual media — can be a central storytelling force. For listeners and creators alike, the film’s focus on sound-based terror reinforces the unique power of audio and its potential to shape emotional and narrative experiences.
As the intersection of film and audio storytelling continues to evolve, Undertone stands as a prominent example of how podcasts and sound-centric narratives can influence mainstream media — not just as subject matter, but as structural inspiration for immersive experiences.
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