UNDERTONE (2025) – Example of Horror on a Shoestring Budget

Undertone stands as a testament to what can be accomplished in the realm of independent horror cinema, especially when resources are limited. Crafted on a modest budget, the film leverages a single set—a house inhabited by Evy, our protagonist, and her bedridden mother. This confined environment heightens the sense of isolation and tension, as only Evy and her mother appear on screen throughout the film.

Evy, a podcaster who co-hosts a popular paranormal show with Justin, works from home while her mother remains in her room barely able to speak or lift a finger. Justin, her partner, is heard but never seen, reinforcing the movie’s commitment to minimalism. The plot hinges on a mysterious challenge: ten audio recordings sent by a listener, daring the duo to listen to each file, one by one. As they accept the dare, the recordings become increasingly bizarre, and the horror spills from the audio into their homes, manifesting as an invisible, unsettling presence.

What’s particularly impressive about Undertone is its ability to evoke fear and suspense without showing anything overtly terrifying. The podcast sessions are handled with finesse—sinister events are implied rather than seen, relying on creative camera angles, subtle shifts in lighting, and clever use of shadows. The technical achievements shine brightest in the film’s audio: the sound design is crisp and immersive, skillfully drawing viewers deeper with every new revelation from the recordings. I would not be surprised if much of the film’s budget went into its sound effects!

However, despite the film’s strengths in style and sound, it struggles to deliver a satisfying narrative core. The pacing feels sluggish, with repetitive stretches focused on the haunting tapes. This leaves little time to flesh out the relationship between Evy and her mother, resulting in a lack of emotional connection and empathy toward the characters. Actress Nina Kiri has the monumental task of carrying much of the visual weight on her shoulders as she is practically in every scene. But her character is so underwritten and underdeveloped we don’t really get to know her at all or cares what happens to her! As the film reaches its climax, the outcome feels disjointed and unsatisfying, leaving too many questions unanswered.

In summary, Undertone excels in atmosphere and technical execution, but falls short in character development and storytelling. It’s a clever display of how horror can thrive with minimal resources, but its lack of substance ultimately leaves a lingering sense of missed potential. Perhaps we can expect a better outcome in future projects by its director Ian Tuason, if he can find something with a better story.