AceShowbiz - Undertone marks the feature directorial debut of Ian Tuason, a horror film released by A24 that has quickly gained attention for its chilling storytelling and atmospheric tension. Centered on Evy, a young woman and co-host of a paranormal podcast, the film follows her and longtime friend Justin as they delve into a series of eerie audio recordings tied to sinister urban legends. As Evy cares for her terminally ill mother, the podcast receives mysterious files that unleash a terrifying supernatural force, setting the stage for a gripping narrative.

In a recent interview with ScreenRant, journalist Grant Hermanns spoke with Ian Tuason about the potential future of the story and whether Undertone could evolve beyond its initial installment. When asked about the possibility of continuing the story, Tuason revealed that he envisions a trilogy, stating he has “a trilogy in mind” and is actively collaborating with A24 to explore ways to bring this vision to fruition.

The film’s 94-minute runtime immerses viewers in a dark mystery revolving around audio recordings from a young couple, Mike and Jessa, who experience escalating hauntings. These paranormal events are captured through voice recordings made at night, drawing Evy and Justin deeper into a terrifying investigation. The supernatural antagonist, a female demon named Abyzou, emerges as the central threat, tormenting those who come into contact with these cursed recordings.

The climax of Undertone sees Evy and Justin confronting the demon Abyzou directly. Through the final audio files, they inadvertently open a portal through which Abyzou manifests, targeting both friends. Evy’s childhood home transforms into a nightmarish realm, where her childhood drawings eerily depict the demon’s image, scrawled across the walls in a disturbing visual motif. The film also includes brief, unsettling scenes of an unknown figure suffocating with a plastic bag, mirroring the tragic fates of past Abyzou victims who have succumbed to self-inflicted deaths.

Despite the seemingly conclusive and bleak ending, Tuason’s plans for a trilogy leave room for further exploration. One potential sequel thread could involve the revelation that Evy, Justin, or both may have survived the demon’s assault. This would open narrative avenues for them to continue investigating Abyzou’s influence and attempt to rescue others ensnared by the curse. Additionally, the origin of the mysterious audio recordings themselves remains unexplored, presenting another mystery that future films could unravel—possibly involving a physical entity behind the haunting messages.

Another route for expanding Undertone into a trilogy could focus on the demon Abyzou’s curse being passed to new victims. This would allow the story to evolve without undoing the ambiguity or fates established in the first film, similar to how horror franchises like Smile and Ring have successfully continued their narratives. Such an approach would enable the series to maintain its eerie atmosphere and thematic consistency while introducing fresh characters and scenarios affected by Abyzou’s malevolent presence.

Tuason’s ambition to build a trilogy ultimately depends on the film’s commercial success. Early indicators are promising: Undertone holds a solid 76% approval rating from critics on Rotten Tomatoes and is projected to earn approximately $7 million during its opening weekend. This figure notably represents 14 times its production budget, a strong performance that could encourage A24 to greenlight sequels. The studio’s previous success with the film X—which also evolved into a trilogy—offers a precedent that Undertone might follow, positioning Tuason to continue his horror storytelling on a larger scale.

As of its March 13, 2026 release, Undertone has captivated horror fans with its blend of psychological tension and supernatural dread. The film’s narrative, focused on a paranormal podcast and its eerie investigations, taps into contemporary fascination with true crime and urban legends, while delivering original scares rooted in folklore. With Ian Tuason at the helm and A24’s support, the future of the franchise looks promising, with potential for deepening the mythology surrounding Abyzou and expanding the unsettling world established in the first film.

For viewers intrigued by the film’s conclusion and eager to understand the origins and implications of Abyzou’s curse, subscribing to dedicated newsletters and following filmmaker interviews will provide valuable insights. These resources will offer focused analysis, sequel theories, and behind-the-scenes details that enrich the viewing experience and prepare audiences for the possible next chapters in the Undertone trilogy.

In summary, Ian Tuason has laid the groundwork for a horror saga that could span three films, exploring the disturbing effects of a demonic curse transmitted through enigmatic audio recordings. The blend of personal trauma, supernatural horror, and investigative intrigue in Undertone sets the stage for a compelling trilogy, contingent on the film’s continued success and audience demand. Fans of the genre should keep a close eye on developments as this chilling story unfolds.