undertone (2026): Cast, Ratings, Box Office & Ending
undertone is a 2026 horror thriller directed by Ian Tuason, starring Nina Kiri as Evy, Adam DiMarco and Jeff Yung. It runs 1 hour 33 minutes and earned $21.6 million worldwide on a $500,000 budget. Critics gave it 64 on Metacritic.
- Released
- Runtime
- 1h 33m (93 min)
- Director
- Ian Tuason
- Original language
-
English
- Studio
- Black Fawn Films
- Budget
- $500K
- After the credits
- No No extra scene
What Is undertone About?
The premise of undertone without spoilers. The whole story and the ending explained are in the plot summary further down.
Evy Babic hosts a podcast about the creepy. When her mother is dying, she moves in to care for her. The show then receives ten strange audio recordings from a young pregnant couple who claim to hear paranormal sounds. Recognizing their tale as a reflection of her own life, each new tape erodes Evy's sanity and draws her into an inescapable nightmare.
undertone Cast & Characters
Nina Kiri leads the cast as Evy, with Adam DiMarco as Justin and Jeff Yung as Mike. Directed by Ian Tuason; 14 actors are credited in all.
- Director Ian Tuason
- Nina Kiri as Evy
- Adam DiMarco as Justin
- Jeff Yung as Mike
- Keana Lyn Bastidas as Jessa
Also Starring in undertone
· 10 more- Sarah Beaudin Abby (Caller 5)
- Ari Millen Dr. Ram
- Michèle Duquet Mama
- Ryan Turner Darren
- Marisol D'Andrea Nurse
- Austin Tuason Caller 1
- Seled Calderon Caller 2
- Biaah Nugara Caller 3
- Jayda Woods Caller 4
- Christina Notto Meditation Voice
undertone Reviews & Ratings
Critics gave undertone 64 on Metacritic. Our Echo Score gives it 53/100, strongest in sensory experience (80) and weakest in story & flow (35).
undertone Echo Score Breakdown
Undertone delivers a divided experience, excelling in its auditory atmosphere while faltering in narrative cohesion. Critics commend the film's restraint and effective use of sound, yet note its reliance on minimal visuals and a pacing that can feel monotonous. Audience reactions echo this split, with some viewers praising the relentless tension and others condemning the slow burn and abrupt climax. The net impression is a mixed but noteworthy horror entry.
Our own 0–100 rating, built from five aspects: art, character, story, the sensory experience and how well a film rewatches.
- Art & Craft 45
In terms of direction and visual craft, the film adopts a restrained aesthetic with glacial camera movements and moody lighting. Some reviewers appreciate this confidence and minimalistic approach, while others describe it as monotonous and overly austere. The cinematography does not aim for spectacle, resulting in a subdued visual style that polarizes opinion. Overall, the artful execution is considered modest rather than compelling.
- Character & Emotion 55
When evaluating character work, the central performance by Nina Kiri receives notable praise for its intensity and focus. Critics highlight the two‑person cast as a strength, yet some mention the protagonist’s backstory feels clunky. User commentary is split, with a few viewers lauding the lead’s presence and others finding the character unengaging. Consequently, the character dimension lands in the middle of the rating spectrum.
- Story & Flow 35
Storywise, Undertone presents a familiar demonic premise that many consider overly worn. Reviewers point out pacing issues, describing the first hour as slow and the resolution as abrupt, with several plot holes undermining coherence. Audience feedback stresses a confusing narrative and a lack of satisfying payoff. The combined criticism of pacing, originality, and structural gaps results in a relatively low story score.
- Sensory Experience 80
Sensory experience stands out as the film’s strongest asset, with sound design repeatedly cited as innovative and unnerving. Critics and viewers alike emphasize the immersive Dolby Atmos cues that heighten dread, noting that the audio alone can sustain tension. While some mention occasional harshness, the consensus is that the auditory landscape compensates for visual minimalism, earning a high sensory rating.
- Rewatch Factor 50
Rewatch value is mixed; the film’s unique soundscape leaves a lingering impression for some, prompting repeat viewings in optimal acoustic settings. However, the pacing and narrative shortcomings deter many from returning. Positive audience comments reference lingering tension, whereas negative remarks point to boredom and an unsatisfying climax. This balance yields an average rewatch factor.
-
Metacritic 64 Metascore
User score 5.8
See on Metacritic
undertone Plot Summary & Ending Explained
What happens in undertone from start to finish, spoilers included, with a timeline of 15 key events and the ending explained. The opening is below; the full summary is a 3-minute read.
Spoilers ahead
Evy [Nina Kiri] Babic is a young woman raised in a Catholic household who now lives with her comatose mother, dedicating herself to her care. She and her friend Justin run The Undertone, a horror podcast that covers alleged supernatural events, with Evy tending to treat most claims as hoaxes while Justin remains convinced that something real is stirring beneath the surface. Their routine is upended when Justin receives an anonymous email that contains a cryptic string of letters and ten audio files, which they decide to play on the podcast.
Full summary
The whole story of undertone, scene by scene, with the ending explained
undertone Box Office & Budget
undertone grossed $21.6 million worldwide on a $500,000 budget, 43 times what it cost. $20 million came from the US and Canada and $1.6 million (7%) from the rest of the world.
Worldwide gross
$21.6M
43× its budget
- US & Canada
- $20M
- International
- $1.6M
- Budget
- $500K
undertone Trailers & Videos
13 videos: 4 trailers, 5 teasers, 1 clip and 3 featurettes.
- Trailer Official Trailer 2
- Trailer Trailer
- Trailer Trailer #2
- Teaser "poem"
How Well Do You Know undertone?
10 questions about the story, each with a hint if you get stuck. Pick an answer to see whether you were right.
Question 1 of 10
- Question 1: not answered
- Question 2: not answered
- Question 3: not answered
- Question 4: not answered
- Question 5: not answered
- Question 6: not answered
- Question 7: not answered
- Question 8: not answered
- Question 9: not answered
- Question 10: not answered
What is the name of the horror podcast co-hosted by Evy and Justin?
Seen undertone?
Articles About undertone
Our article about undertone: “Undertone (2026) Review – Critics Opinions, Fan Reception, and Storytelling Analysis”.
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Opinions
undertone FAQ: Cast, Box Office & Runtime
Runtime, release date, director, cast, box office, ratings and post-credit scenes of undertone, each answered in a sentence.
How long is undertone?
undertone runs 1 hour 33 minutes (93 minutes).
When was undertone released?
undertone was released on March 13, 2026.
Who directed undertone?
undertone was directed by Ian Tuason.
Who is in the cast of undertone?
undertone stars Nina Kiri as Evy, Adam DiMarco as Justin and Jeff Yung as Mike, among 14 credited actors.
How much did undertone make at the box office?
undertone grossed $21.6 million worldwide ($20 million domestic, $1.6 million international) on a budget of $500,000.
How is undertone rated?
undertone has 64 on Metacritic.
Does undertone have a post-credit scene?
No. undertone has no extra scene during or after the credits.
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