AceShowbiz - Undertone is setting a new standard for horror films in 2026, delivering a chilling experience that lingers long after the credits roll. This Canadian production, currently showing nationwide in theaters, achieves a rare feat in its genre by instilling a genuine sense of dread and the feeling that malevolent forces are just beyond reach.

Joining the ranks of notable elevated horror films like Hereditary and Skinamarink, Undertone distinguishes itself with a unique blend of suspense and subtle menace. But what makes this debut feature by director Ian Tuason so effective? And why does a non-horror series like The Sopranos play an unexpected role in shaping the film’s eerie atmosphere?

What Is Undertone About?

The story follows Evy, portrayed by Nina Kiri (known for The Handmaid’s Tale), a young Canadian woman who hosts a popular supernatural podcast from her quiet home in Toronto. Her co-host, Justin, played by Adam DiMarco (from The White Lotus), collaborates remotely with her. While Evy is focused on her show, she is also coping with her mother’s terminal illness, which looms in the background upstairs.

The plot thickens when Justin discovers ten mysterious tapes chronicling a haunting experienced by a young couple. This discovery forces Evy to confront not only these new spectral events but also the unresolved ghosts of her own past, present, and uncertain future. The film deliberately keeps much of its story ambiguous, inviting viewers to unravel its mysteries alongside Evy.

From Radio Plays to a Distinctive Horror Film

The genesis of Undertone traces back to Ian Tuason’s fascination with narrative podcasts. Inspired by series such as Mark Phillips’ Homecoming and The Black Tapes by Paul Mae and Terry Miles, Tuason initially conceived the project as a radio play. When the COVID-19 pandemic struck and his parents fell ill, he moved back to his childhood home—a location that would later serve as the primary filming site for the movie.

Tuason has said, "[Undertone] started as a radio play. I was writing about Justin and Evy investigating hidden messages in audio files when COVID hit, and then my parents got sick. I moved back into their home, which is where we ended up shooting." This intimate setting lends the film an authentic and claustrophobic atmosphere that heightens the tension.

Crafting Fear Through Sound

Unlike many horror movies that rely heavily on visual shocks, Undertone leans into sound design as a core storytelling device. Tuason reveals that his original script emphasized sound cues more than camera directions. He would write precise details such as, "the baby cries to the rear right," to guide the sound editors in creating a spatial audio experience.

This approach reflects Tuason’s background in virtual reality content creation, where 3D soundscapes are crucial because there is no fixed frame—only immersive space. His heavy involvement in the sound mixing process allowed him to direct audio cues that intensify moments of terror, such as sudden bangs or unsettling noises from different directions.

The Power of Ambiguity

Undertone masterfully plays with uncertainty. For much of the film, viewers question whether Evy’s experiences are supernatural or mere figments of her imagination. Tuason intentionally maintains this ambiguity to keep audiences on edge. Everyday sounds—a faucet running by itself, floorboards creaking—could be innocent or sinister.

Even when Evy glimpses a shadowy figure in the dark, the brief appearance is quickly dispelled, leaving viewers unsure if it was real or imagined. Tuason emphasizes plausibility in these moments, ensuring that every eerie event could have a logical explanation, which deepens the unsettling mood.

Elevated Horror Influenced by The Sopranos

Eschewing gore and explicit horror tropes, Undertone delivers a sophisticated form of terror rooted in mood and uncertainty. This style aligns with what many refer to as “elevated horror,” a label Tuason acknowledges but finds somewhat divisive among fans.

He cites masterpieces like Hereditary and The Babadook as examples of films made by directors who are true experts in their craft, which inspired him to pursue a similar level of artistry. Interestingly, Tuason also credits the HBO mob drama The Sopranos for influencing the film’s visual style. He admired the unsettling dream sequences in the show, particularly those featuring James Gandolfini’s character Tony Soprano, and adapted some of that haunting imagery into Undertone.

Tuason explains, "When I was writing Undertone, I took ideas from things outside the horror genre. I liked certain shots from The Sopranos. Some of Tony’s dream sequences are really scary! I aimed to make the scariest movie I could." His mission to craft a uniquely frightening film has clearly succeeded.

Undertone’s Place in the 2026 Horror Landscape

As 2026 unfolds, Undertone stands out amidst a competitive year for horror movies. While last year saw notable releases like Weapons and the Oscar-nominated Sinners, this film offers a fresh and unsettling approach to horror. Fans of the genre can also look forward to other 2025 releases like Black Phone 2, but Undertone promises a distinct experience centered on atmosphere and psychological tension.

Final Thoughts

Ian Tuason’s Undertone is a film that redefines what it means to be scary in modern horror. By focusing on sound design, ambiguity, and subtle menace rather than overt shocks or violence, it creates an immersive, haunting experience that stays with viewers long after the theater lights come up. The influence of narrative podcasts and even The Sopranos enriches the film’s unique tone, making it a must-watch for horror enthusiasts seeking more than just jump scares.

Currently playing in theaters nationwide, Undertone invites audiences to confront the fear that lurks in familiar spaces and question what’s real—and what’s not—in the shadows of the mind.