A24
Horror has had no shortage of breakout moments lately. “Obsession” has turned into a genuine phenomenon, “Backrooms” stunned the industry with its box office performance, and even the new “Scary Movie” drew audiences back to theaters by poking fun at the genre’s most familiar tricks. With so many buzzy titles dominating the conversation, it would be easy for a smaller release like A24’s “Undertone” to slip by unnoticed. Now that it’s available to stream at home, however, viewers have a fresh opportunity to experience it — preferably with a strong sound system.
“Undertone” was released on March 13 and is now streaming on HBO Max. The film has quickly gained traction on the platform, rising to become its most-watched movie beginning June 29. Its stripped-down approach to horror helps explain the appeal: Rather than relying on spectacle, it builds tension with precision and restraint.
The story follows Evy, played by Nina Kiri, as she records an episode of her podcast from home while looking after her sick mother. Naturally, the podcast focuses on horror, and Evy and her co-host begin reviewing a collection of audio clips said to capture paranormal events. As she continues listening, Evy starts to realize that the strange activity described in the recordings may be unfolding around her in real time.
Where films such as “Insidious” use unsettling visuals and jump scares to keep audiences on edge, “Undertone” finds its fear in sound. The movie’s most unnerving moments come through faint hums, subtle hisses and barely noticeable noises that hint Evy may not be as alone in the house as she believes.
Undertone weaponizes your own mind against you
Dustin Rabin/A24
Much of “Undertone” is centered on Evy sitting at her desk and speaking into a microphone, a setup that may not sound especially cinematic on paper. But once she puts on noise-canceling headphones, the effect becomes deeply unsettling. The rest of the house falls into silence, leaving viewers scanning shadowy hallways and dark corners for something they may or may not have seen. Evy remains unaware of what is building around her — until it is too late.
“Undertone” earned $21 million at the box office and holds a 75% critics’ score on Rotten Tomatoes. Audience reaction has been more divided, with viewers giving it a 50% rating on the platform, suggesting this is very much a polarizing horror film. Its premise is quiet and contained, with no massive creatures or effects-heavy set pieces, but that minimalism may be exactly what appeals to viewers looking for something different from the genre.
The film may not land for every horror fan, but those who connect with it seem to find it deeply unsettling. On Instagram, @itsyourfilmsis said she broke out in hives after watching the movie. On Reddit, one user reportedly said they felt as though they needed a nerve pill afterward just to calm down. For a horror movie, provoking that kind of physical reaction may be the strongest recommendation possible.
“Backrooms” may be the A24 horror title getting the loudest buzz right now, but while audiences wait for “Backrooms 2,” “Undertone” is well worth adding to the watchlist.
