Horror Film Uses Terrifying Podcast for Spine-Chilling Debut

Sundance 2026 is host to the striking feature debut, 'Undertone,' by writer-director Ian Tuason. This horror film masterfully utilizes sound design to craft a deeply unsettling atmosphere. The narrative follows Evy, a paranormal skeptic, and her podcast co-host, who explore supposed haunted recordings.

Their investigation takes a sinister turn when they receive a series of increasingly disturbing audio files. These recordings begin to bleed into Evy's reality, causing her sanity to unravel and threatening her very soul as the sounds linger beyond playback.

The film is celebrated for its patient yet petrifying pacing and ambitious formal qualities. Tuason grounds the supernatural horror in Evy's personal anxieties, particularly her relationship with her ailing mother, adding a layer of tragedy to the unfolding nightmares.

'Undertone' culminates in a spectacular finale, proving that minimalist horror can be exceptionally powerful. Its sonic craftsmanship is particularly noteworthy, weaving a tapestry of fear that lingers long after viewing. The film captures the potential evil within podcasts, wielding sonic power to create a truly terrifying experience.