Undertone is a 2025 Canadian supernatural horror and sci-fi thriller that leans heavily on sound design rather than visuals to unsettle viewers. The film is written and directed by Ian Tuason, who makes his feature debut with this audio-forward horror experiment.
The cast includes Nina Kiri, Adam DiMarco, Michèle Duquet. The story follows Evy, a paranormal podcast host caring for her terminally ill mother in her childhood home. When Evy receives a series of disturbing audio recordings from an unknown couple, she realizes the events described mirror her own life. As the sounds begin occurring in her home, her grip on reality slowly unravels.
Undertone premiered at the Fantasia International Film Festival in 2025 and was later acquired by A24. The film is scheduled for a theatrical release on March 13, 2026.
Undertone Age Rating
Undertone is officially rated R by the MPAA for language. This rating means viewers under 17 require a parent or adult guardian for theatrical viewing.
Although the rating is tied to profanity, the overall experience is emotionally intense. The film uses sustained dread, loud audio cues, and psychological stress rather than graphic imagery. Parents should note that the atmosphere may be more disturbing than the rating alone suggests.
Violence & Peril
There is no traditional physical violence or gore in Undertone. The threat is psychological, built through persistent unease, paranoia, and fear of being watched. Sudden loud sounds, screaming, and audio distortions create a sense of danger without showing explicit harm. The tension is constant and may be overwhelming for younger viewers.
Language
Strong language is used throughout the film, especially during moments of fear and emotional breakdown. Profanity is frequent enough to justify the R rating. There are no racial slurs, but the tone of the dialogue is adult and intense.
Mature Themes
The film explores heavy emotional topics including terminal illness, caregiving stress, isolation, fear of pregnancy, and mental deterioration. Smoking and substance use are minimal and not a focus. There is no nudity, but the emotional weight and anxiety-driven storytelling make it unsuitable for children.
Is Undertone Suitable for Teens?
Whether Undertone is suitable for your teen depends on their maturity level.
For older teens (16 and 17) who enjoy “elevated horror” like other A24 films (Hereditary or The Witch), this may be a fascinating watch. However, for younger teens, the constant psychological tension and the “Rated R” level of swearing might be too much. It is not a typical “slasher” movie; it is a slow-burn story that stays in your head long after the credits roll.
What Parents Can Do
If you are considering letting your teenager watch Undertone, here are a few tips:
- Watch the Trailer Together: Since the movie is so focused on sound, the trailer gives a very accurate vibe of how “creepy” the audio will be.
- Discuss the Themes: Talk about the stresses of caregiving and isolation. The movie uses these real-life fears to fuel its supernatural horror.
- Check Sensitivity: If your teen is sensitive to loud, sudden noises or themes involving sick parents, you might want to skip this one or watch it with them.
Official Trailer
FAQs
Q: What is the age rating for Undertone?
A: Undertone is rated R by the MPAA for language, requiring adult supervision for viewers under 17.
Q: Is Undertone appropriate for kids?
A: No. The film’s psychological horror, intense sound design, and adult themes make it inappropriate for children.
Q: Are there scary or disturbing scenes?
A: Yes. The film relies on loud audio cues, jump scares, and constant dread rather than visual horror.
Q: Does Undertone contain strong language?
A: Yes. Profanity is used frequently during stressful and emotional moments.
Q: Is there sexual content or nudity?
A: There is no explicit sexual content or nudity, though mature references are implied.
Q: Where can I watch Undertone?
A: Undertone will be released theatrically by A24 on March 13, 2026, with digital platforms expected later.