Thescreescore – A24’s latest foray into the R-rated paranormal horror genre, "Undertone," has unleashed a cacophony of opinions, sharply dividing critics and general audiences alike on Rotten Tomatoes. While the film has quietly amassed a significant box office success, its reception has become a fascinating study in cinematic polarization, raising questions about what truly resonates with different segments of the viewing public.
Following its acclaimed premiere at the Fantasia International Film Festival eight months prior, "Undertone" finally arrived in cinemas in March 2026, generating considerable buzz. Early critical assessments largely embraced the supernatural enigma at its core, leading to a respectable 76% approval rating among professional reviewers. These cinephiles often lauded the A24 production for its immersive and chilling atmosphere. However, the public’s experience has proven far more discordant. Moviegoers, now having had their chance to delve into the film’s auditory mystery, have expressed considerably less enthusiasm, with many dismissing the less-than-90-minute feature as both pointless and uninspired. This sentiment is reflected in its current audience score, a lukewarm 52%.
The narrative of "Undertone" centers on Evy (portrayed by Nina Kiri), a podcaster whose routine involves analyzing recordings of a married couple encountering peculiar sounds. What begins as a detached investigation soon spirals into a terrifying descent into fear and paranoia for Evy, challenging her inherent skepticism towards the paranormal. The film’s journey to the big screen was propelled by A24’s shrewd acquisition of its worldwide distribution rights in a lucrative seven-figure deal, securing its March 2026 theatrical slot.
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Despite the schism in critical and audience perception, "Undertone" is undeniably carving out a niche as another financial triumph for A24. Produced on a modest budget of just $500,000, the horror flick has already garnered an impressive $4.3 million domestically. This remarkable return on investment firmly establishes it as one of A24’s most profitable ventures, marking the company’s second box office hit of 2026, following the successful run of "Pillion," starring Harry Melling and Alexander Skarsgård.
The film’s robust commercial performance also casts a favorable light on its potential future. Director Ian Tuason, who also penned the script and makes his directorial debut with "Undertone," recently shared with Grant Hermanns of thescreescore.com that he envisions the story as part of a "trilogy" and is actively "working on" further developments with A24. Given the film’s undeniable financial momentum, the prospects for expanding this unsettling universe appear bright. Such a continuation could offer an opportunity to resolve some of the lingering questions that have perhaps contributed to the current polarizing reactions among viewers.
Alongside Nina Kiri, the ensemble cast features Adam DiMarco, Michèle Duquet, Keana Lyn Bastidas, Jeff Yung, Sarah Beaudin, and Brian Quintero. Dan Slater and Cody Calahan served as producers for the project. "Undertone" is currently playing in theaters, inviting audiences to form their own conclusions about its divisive sounds.
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