undertone
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Undertone (2026) is an A24 psychological horror film directed by Ian Tuason, set for release on March 13, 2026. The movie centers on Evy, a skeptical podcast host who returns home to care for her dying mother. Her reality begins to unravel as she listens to a series of disturbing paranormal audio recordings from a pregnant couple, whose experiences increasingly mirror her own struggles. The film is critically acclaimed for its innovative use of sound design to create intense psychological dread and relies on unseen terrors rather than explicit visual gore. It explores themes of grief, isolation, spiritual doubt, and the fragility of sanity, with a runtime of 94 minutes. The film is primarily suited for adult audiences comfortable with slow-burn, anxiety-inducing horror.
Things to Consider
Profanity
Strong language is consistently present throughout 'Undertone (2026)', appearing frequently in conversational dialogue. While characters use profanity more casually than aggressively, its consistent nature is a contributing factor to the film's R rating.
The MPAA rating for 'Undertone (2026)' specifically mentions 'language throughout'. Reviews note that 'strong language appears consistently throughout the film, mostly in conversational dialogue,' with characters using profanity 'casually rather than aggressively,' but with sufficient frequency to warrant an R rating.
Witchcraft & Occult
Witchcraft and occult themes are central to the film's horror narrative, which involves paranormal encounters and a supernatural podcast. The movie features a 'demonic voice' and draws on 'supernatural lore taken directly from real-life myth,' including 'Biblical characters' and 'Catholic guilt.' The concept of 'backmasking,' where reversed audio reveals hidden messages, is also employed.
Scary & Intense Content
Undertone (2026) is designed to be intensely frightening through its psychological horror elements and immersive sound design. It generates 'sustained psychological terror' rather than jump scares or explicit gore. The film uses disturbing audio recordings, including 'eerie infant sounds and suggestions of violence against children,' creating a 'nightmarish audio experience from Hell' and a 'claustrophobic and relentless' atmosphere.
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Additional Context
Best For Ages
Undertone (2026) is rated R by the Motion Picture Association (MPA) for 'language throughout and some drug material'. It is best suited for adults and older teens (17+) due to its sustained psychological terror, disturbing themes, and frequent strong language. Younger viewers or those sensitive to anxiety-inducing material, illness, or implied harm, especially concerning children, are likely to find it overwhelming.
Good to Know
The film's unique approach to horror, relying heavily on auditory elements and psychological manipulation rather than visual frights, makes the viewing experience intensely immersive and potentially more unsettling. Critics emphasize that a high-quality sound system and theatrical viewing are essential to fully experience the film's intended terror. There are no reported differences across theatrical, extended, or director's cuts, nor has information on sequels or adaptations with evolving content been released, given its upcoming debut.
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