Thescreescore – A24, the independent studio synonymous with elevated genre cinema, is once again poised to captivate audiences with its latest horror offering, Undertone. Ahead of its highly anticipated theatrical release on March 13, this feature debut from writer-director Ian Tuason, starring The Handmaid’s Tale‘s Nina Kiri, has already garnered significant critical acclaim, boasting an impressive 88% on Rotten Tomatoes. This strong early reception positions Undertone as a potential Certified Fresh triumph, signaling a chilling new chapter for the esteemed distributor.
Kiri steps into the shoes of a paranormal podcast host whose world descends into disquieting mystery. While caring for her ailing mother, she becomes entangled with a series of unsettling recordings that appear to awaken a malevolent entity within their home. Tuason’s directorial vision, making its inaugural appearance on the big screen, promises a unique blend of psychological tension and supernatural dread, a hallmark often associated with A24’s distinctive horror portfolio. The film, running a taut 84 minutes, is set to immerse viewers in its haunting narrative.
The critical consensus, aggregated from early screenings at prestigious festivals like Fantasia and Sundance, paints a largely positive picture. While a few reviews offer more tempered assessments, the overwhelming sentiment points to Undertone‘s potent impact. Notably, James Preston Poole of But Why Tho? bestowed a perfect 10 out of 10, describing the experience as "a film that feels like it actively curses the audience." Such powerful endorsements underscore the film’s ability to leave a lasting, unsettling impression, hinting at a truly immersive and terrifying cinematic journey.
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This stellar performance arrives at a crucial juncture for A24’s horror output. For the past two years, the studio’s non-comedic genre titles have experienced a fluctuating critical trajectory on Rotten Tomatoes, oscillating between "Fresh" and "Rotten" designations. Undertone‘s robust 88% score, however, follows closely on the heels of Bring Her Back (2025), the sophomore effort from Talk to Me directors Danny and Michael Philippou, which achieved a Certified Fresh 89%. This back-to-back success suggests a potential shift, indicating A24 might be re-establishing a consistent streak of critically lauded horror features.
The studio’s commitment to groundbreaking horror shows no signs of waning. Beyond Undertone, A24’s forthcoming slate promises further genre innovation. Anticipated titles include Backrooms, starring the distinguished Chiwetel Ejiofor and 2026 Best Actress Oscar nominee Renate Reinsve; Adam Wingard’s Onslaught; and Jeremy Saulnier’s October. These projects, helmed by prominent creators, are poised to continue A24’s legacy of delivering thought-provoking and terrifying cinematic experiences, further solidifying its position at the forefront of contemporary horror, as reported by thescreescore.com.
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