“It’s not about what’s on screen – it’s what happens to you when you watch it”: Ian Tuason and Nina Kiri on Undertone

Horror is one of those genres that, while it may not always have the broadest appeal, continues to reinvent itself, with new filmmakers constantly finding fresh, distinctive ways to put their own spin on familiar tropes. That’s very much the case with Ian Tuason’s directorial debut, Undertone.

Drawing on his own experiences as a caregiver, alongside a background working at the cutting edge of audio, Tuason brings those elements together in both the substance and the form of the film. It taps into recognisable horror territory – the idea of the home as a repressive, haunted space – but also leans into something more psychological, where the most unsettling threat is your own imagination.

At its centre is a paranormal podcast host, played by Nina Kiri, whose world begins to unravel as a series of eerie recordings blur the line between reality and something far more sinister. Much of the feature’s power comes through her performance alone, with the audience experiencing the horror through her voice, her expressions and her growing sense of fear.

Sitting down with Tuason and Kiri, it was fascinating to hear how his personal experiences shaped the story, as well as the technical process behind crafting its deeply unsettling soundscape – from distorted recordings and overlapping voices to nursery rhymes played backwards. Kiri also spoke about the challenge of carrying such an internal, emotionally demanding role, where so much rests on her ability to channel that psychological tension.

A truly unique and quietly disturbing piece of cinema, Undertone pushes the boundaries of what we might expect from the horror genre – less about what you see, and more about what you feel long after it’s over.

Sarah Bradbury

Undertone is released nationwide on 10^th April 2026.

Watch the trailer for Undertone here: