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Horror thriller

undertone (2026): Cast, Ratings, Box Office & Ending

undertone (2026) movie poster

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.

worldwide gross
$21.6M
Echo Score
53
Metascore
64
budget
$500K
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undertone (2026) movie poster
Released
Runtime
1h 33m (93 min)
Director
Ian Tuason
Genres
Horror , Sci-Fi , Thriller
Original language
English
Budget
$500K
After the credits
No No extra scene
The story

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.

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Cast & crew

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.

Also Starring in undertone

· 10 more
Ratings

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).

53 /100

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.

Plot

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

Read the full summary
Box office

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.

2026 box office

Worldwide gross

$21.6M

43× its budget

US & Canada
$20M
International
$1.6M
Budget
$500K
US & Canada 93% Rest of the world 7%
Videos

undertone Trailers & Videos

13 videos: 4 trailers, 5 teasers, 1 clip and 3 featurettes.

All 13 videos
Official Trailer
  • Trailer Official Trailer 2
  • Trailer Trailer
  • Trailer Trailer #2
  • Teaser "poem"
Quiz

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

  1. Question 1: not answered
  2. Question 2: not answered
  3. Question 3: not answered
  4. Question 4: not answered
  5. Question 5: not answered
  6. Question 6: not answered
  7. Question 7: not answered
  8. Question 8: not answered
  9. Question 9: not answered
  10. Question 10: not answered

What is the name of the horror podcast co-hosted by Evy and Justin?

Seen undertone?

FAQ

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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