Ian Tuason’s debut feature, ‘Undertone’, premiered at the Sundance Film Festival, showcasing a blend of horror and innovative storytelling that ultimately struggles to break free from its influences. Set against the backdrop of a chilling audio landscape, this low-budget film weaves a tale of horror podcasters who find themselves ensnared in an unsettling mystery. Despite its promising premise, the film often feels like a rehash of familiar tropes, leaving audiences longing for more originality.
A Familiar Soundscape
From the outset, ‘Undertone’ envelops viewers in a cacophony of eerie sounds—screams, whispers, and ominous noises—that evoke an unsettling atmosphere. However, much of the film’s tension is overshadowed by an overwhelming sense of déjà vu. Drawing inspiration from iconic horror titles such as *Paranormal Activity*, *Hereditary*, and *The Blair Witch Project*, it often feels as though it is retreading well-worn paths rather than forging a new one. This isn’t an unexpected challenge for a genre as saturated as horror, yet one can’t help but wonder what distinguishes ‘Undertone’ amid a sea of similar offerings.
Plot Overview: A Struggle for Authenticity
The narrative centres on Eva (played by Nina Kiri), a podcaster grappling with personal turmoil as she cares for her terminally ill mother. The film cleverly uses the confines of Tuason’s own home as its sole setting, highlighting the resourcefulness of its estimated $500,000 budget. Eva and her podcast co-host Justin (voiced by Adam DiMarco) delve into eerie tales, but their latest discovery—a series of disturbing audio files—pushes them further into a chilling investigation.
As they explore the recordings, which depict disturbing sleep-talking sessions, the line between reality and audio nightmares begins to blur. Eva’s struggle to maintain her sceptical stance while experiencing unsettling phenomena creates an engaging tension. Yet, as the story unfolds, the pacing and structure falter, leaning heavily on repetitive tropes that render the film’s build-up less effective.
A Shift Towards Chaos in the Climax
Tuason’s direction takes a turn in the film’s final act, where the narrative shifts from a subtle, creeping dread to a frenetic explosion of visual chaos. While Kiri’s performance remains compelling, the transition from audio suspense to visual spectacle feels jarring and disjointed. The earlier promise of a nuanced horror experience diminishes, replaced by a cacophony of hastily thrown-together plot elements. The film culminates in an ambiguous ending that leaves viewers feeling stranded in confusion rather than fear.
Despite its shortcomings, ‘Undertone’ serves as a showcase for Tuason’s potential. The film’s ability to secure a seven-figure deal with A24 at Fantasia festival, alongside a subsequent project with Blumhouse, highlights the director’s burgeoning reputation in the horror realm.
Why it Matters
‘Undertone’ is a reflection of the current state of horror cinema—an industry eager to innovate yet often hindered by the weight of its own legacy. While Tuason’s film may not fully resonate as a standalone masterpiece, it represents a vital stepping stone in the evolution of audio-based horror. As the genre continues to evolve, filmmakers like Tuason are crucial in pushing boundaries, even if the results sometimes echo the past. For audiences, it’s a reminder that even within the realm of familiar tropes, there lies a potential for fresh narratives and unique experiences waiting to be unearthed.