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Undertone
The landscape of contemporary horror is about to be reshaped once again as A24 unveils the first look at their latest nightmare, Undertone. Directed by the visionary Ian Tuason, whose previous works have redefined atmospheric dread, this upcoming thriller promises to be a nerve-shredding exploration of sound, obsession, and the supernatural. While we at UK Film Review have yet to see the full feature, the newly released trailer suggests a diabolically terrifying experience that demands to be heard as much as seen.
The premise is deceptively modern, centring on two podcast hosts, Eevee Babbidge and her co-host, who specialise in the macabre and the unexplained. Their search for content leads them to a series of ten mysterious audio recordings sent from an anonymous source. What begins as a quest for digital engagement quickly descends into a literal fight for their souls as they discover hidden messages within the audio. The trailer masterfully builds tension through its sonic landscape, suggesting that by merely listening to these files, the protagonists have unleashed a dark, ancient force that was never meant to be disturbed.
Visually, the trailer is a masterclass in shadow and light. It hints at a "red-faced" entity that lurks in the periphery of the frame, tied inextricably to the audio recordings. The taglines interspersed throughout the footage—"It wants to be heard"—suggest a meta-narrative where the audience’s own participation in watching and listening to the film makes them part of the haunting. It is a bold, audio-driven approach that feels fresh in a genre often over-reliant on jump scares.
The trailer instead leans into primal fears, using the medium of a podcast to bridge the gap between our everyday digital lives and the unfathomable terrors of the unknown.
As the trailer reaches its crescendo, the sense of panic is palpable. The sceptic and the believer are forced to confront a reality where logic no longer applies, and the dark is no longer empty. With A24’s pedigree for supporting uncompromising directorial visions, Undertone looks set to be one of the most talked-about releases of the year.
The wait for the full reveal will not be long, but it will certainly be anxious. Undertone is scheduled to arrive in cinemas on Friday, March 13th, 2025. If the trailer is anything to go by, we suggest you keep the lights on and perhaps think twice before pressing play on your next favourite podcast. This is a diabolically terrifying horror experience that refuses to let go.
