Undertone: A Podcast Horror Movie That's Genuinely Scary
A24's 'Undertone' is a podcast-horror movie that's genuinely scary, thanks to its masterful use of sound design, negative space, and a claustrophobic setting. While the script isn't entirely original, it's so good at getting under your skin that you'll be willing to overlook its slightly derivative touches.
The film follows Evy (Nina Kiri), a co-host of a paranormal podcast called 'The Undertone,' who is spending time in her dying mother's house. The house is filled with Catholic iconography, creating a sense of creepiness and ominousness. The film's intimacy and claustrophobia are heightened by the fact that it was shot in the director's parents' house, adding to the atmosphere.
The story kicks into gear when Justin (Adam DiMarco) reveals he's received a mysterious email containing ten audio files. As they listen to the files, the story of an unseen married couple begins to take shape, and the audience is drawn into the world of the film, thanks to the familiarity of the urban legends and superstitions it explores.
The film's sound design and negative space are highly effective, with Kiri's sympathetic lead performance adding to the sense of horror. The use of shadow and space, as well as the finely-tuned audio system, creates a powerful and unnerving soundtrack.
However, the film's bombastic finale feels slightly unnecessary, as it almost overshadows the otherwise subtle experience. Despite this, 'Undertone' is so effectively spooky that it will leave you feeling like something dreadful is out there, lurking, waiting to make itself heard.
In my opinion, 'Undertone' is a must-watch for horror fans, offering a fresh take on the genre with its masterful use of sound design and atmosphere. It's a film that will keep you on the edge of your seat, even if you've seen this sort of story told before.
