Undertone (stylized as undertone) is a Canadian psychological horror film, released on March 13, 2026, by A24. It stars Nina Kiri as Evy Babic, a paranormal podcast host who returns home to care for her dying mother (Michèle Duquet), alongside Adam DiMarco (voice) as her co-host Justin, Keana Lyn Bastidas, and Jeff Yung. Written and directed by Ian Tuason in his feature debut, the story follows Evy as she receives mysterious audio recordings from a couple experiencing unexplained paranormal disturbances in their home.
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What begins as compelling podcast material quickly spirals into personal terror, blurring the lines between sound, reality, and sanity through masterful audio design. On its opening day in a wide release across approximately 2,570 theaters, the film has opened strongly for an A24 indie, driven by festival buzz from Sundance and Fantasia, exceptional word-of-mouth, and its innovative sound-focused approach that rewards theatrical viewing.
Early audience reactions highlight the immersive Dolby Atmos experience and chilling atmosphere, while critics have praised it as a fresh, ear-driven horror standout. Domestic performance is concentrated in urban and genre-friendly markets, with strong per-screen averages. International prospects are solid in Canada and select territories. Overall, Undertone launches with impressive momentum as one of 2026’s most buzzed-about low-budget horrors.
Undertone 2026 Overview

| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Title | Undertone |
| Directed by | Ian Tuason |
| Written by | Ian Tuason |
| Produced by | Dan Slater, Cody Calahan |
| Actor | Adam DiMarco |
| Actress | Nina Kiri |
| Other Cast | Michèle Duquet, Keana Lyn Bastidas, Jeff Yung, Ryan Turner |
| Cinematography | Graham Beasley |
| Edited by | Sonny Atkins |
| Music by | Shanika Lewis-Waddell |
| Production Companies | Black Fawn Films, Kino, Slaterverse Pictures |
| Distributed by | A24 (US), VVS Films (Canada) |
| Release Date | 13 March 2026 |
| Running Time | 94 minutes |
| Country | Canada |
| Language | English |
| Film Industry | Hollywood |
| Genre | Horror, Mystery, Thriller |
| Censor Rating | R |
Undertone Box Office Collection
| Day | Date | Domestic Gross (in millions USD) | Fluctuation (%+/-) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Day 1 | March 13, 2026 | $2.45 | (Opening Day) |
| Day 2 | March 14, 2026 | N/A | N/A |
| Day 3 | March 15, 2026 | N/A | N/A |
| Lifetime Domestic Net | – | $18.50 | – |
| Lifetime Domestic Gross | – | $32.00 | – |
| Lifetime Worldwide Gross | – | $48.00 | – |
Undertone is a Hit or Flop
To be updated
What is the budget of Undertone
The budget of Undertone is around $500,000.
Undertone Ott release date
- OTT Platform: Major VOD and streaming platforms and OTT date: TBA
Our Review
Undertone marks a stunning directorial debut for Ian Tuason, proving that true terror can be born from sound alone in an era of visual overload. The film locks viewers into the perspective of Evy (Nina Kiri, delivering a raw, committed performance), a skeptical paranormal podcaster forced home to care for her comatose mother. When mysterious audio files arrive from a haunted couple, the story unfolds almost entirely through headphones and chilling sound design that makes every creak, whisper, and distant scream feel intimately personal.
This audio-centric approach—enhanced by Dolby Atmos in theaters—creates an immersive nightmare far scarier than most visual-heavy horrors, evoking classics like The Blair Witch Project while feeling entirely fresh. Kiri’s grounded portrayal anchors the escalating paranoia, with strong support from the voice cast and Michèle Duquet’s haunting presence as the silent mother. Box office collections on opening day reflect explosive interest for this micro-budget A24 release.
With an estimated $2.45 million domestically from its wide 2,570-theater footprint, Undertone is already on pace for a $7+ million opening weekend—potentially 14x its $0.5 million budget in the first three days alone. This efficient model mirrors recent A24 successes that leveraged strong reviews and theatrical exclusivity for maximum returns. Compared to fellow audio-driven horrors or podcast thrillers, Undertone excels through its intimate scale and refusal to rely on cheap jump scares, instead building dread through what you don’t see.
In summary, Undertone emerges as one of the most inventive and terrifying horror films of 2026, using its minimalist approach and extraordinary sound design to deliver maximum impact on the big screen. Its exploration of grief, isolation, and the power of suggestion resonates deeply, making it essential viewing in theaters before any home experience can match the intensity. While unlikely to reach blockbuster scale, projections point to a lifetime domestic gross near $32 million and worldwide earnings approaching $48 million, driven by word-of-mouth and its reputation as “the scariest movie you’ll ever hear.”
This is smart, resourceful filmmaking that reminds audiences why horror thrives in cinemas—proving once again that A24 knows exactly how to turn tiny budgets into massive cultural moments. Early indicators suggest a genuine hit that will spark conversations and repeated theatrical visits.
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Frequently Asked Questions
What is the plot of Undertone?
Undertone follows a paranormal podcast host who moves back home to care for her dying mother and starts receiving terrifying mysterious recordings that blur reality.
Is Undertone based on a true story?
No, it is a fictional horror film inspired by audio-based scares and podcast culture.
Who plays Evy in Undertone?
Nina Kiri plays the lead role of Evy Babic.
When will Undertone be available on streaming?
It is expected on major VOD and streaming platforms a few months after its theatrical release.
How does Undertone compare to other horror movies?
It stands out as “the scariest movie you’ll ever hear,” using sound design as the main weapon like Paranormal Activity but with deeper personal and family drama.
Disclaimer:
- Box office figures in this article are independently estimated by Tenvow based on an internal tracking methodology that evaluates theatre occupancy trends, distributor feedback, and regional trade indicators.
- The data reflects industry estimates available at the time of publication and may vary slightly from officially reported or audited figures released later.
- These figures should be considered preliminary and indicative, not official confirmations.
- Tenvow does not guarantee absolute accuracy of the data and presents it solely for informational purposes.
- All financial figures are stated in United States dollars (USD) and represented in millions, unless specified otherwise.
- All dates and times mentioned follow Eastern Standard Time (EST) (UTC-5)
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