Filmmaker Ian Tuason found himself grappling with unimaginable loss as he cared for his parents in their final days. Seeking solace, he unexpectedly turned to the unsettling world of online horror – the realm of “creepypasta,” user-generated tales of the paranormal that thrive in the hidden corners of the internet.
These stories, and a lingering fear sparked by a decades-old viewing of *Paranormal Activity*, became the seed for *Undertone*. The film centers on a podcast host who unwittingly unleashes a terrifying force after receiving a series of recordings detailing a couple’s descent into a chilling paranormal experience.
Tuason discovered that the most potent fear wasn’t in jump scares, but in the insidious suggestion of hidden horrors. He became fascinated by “audio apophenia,” the human tendency to perceive meaningful connections in random stimuli – and the terrifying possibilities within it.
*Undertone* stars Nina Kiri, who portrays a woman caring for her ailing mother while co-hosting a true-crime podcast. Alongside Adam DiMarco, voicing a character from London, they delve into the unsettling audio files, slowly uncovering disturbing messages woven into the fabric of familiar lullabies.
The film’s power lies in its authenticity. Tuason insists that the unsettling details within the recordings are not fabricated, but drawn from real-world folklore and dark historical theories. The seemingly innocent rhyme of “London Bridge Is Falling Down,” for example, is linked to ancient tales of human sacrifice.
Even the sound itself is unnerving. The songs used in the film are genuine public domain recordings, reversed without manipulation. Any hidden messages listeners detect are, according to DiMarco, genuinely present within the original audio.
The production itself was steeped in an eerie atmosphere. Filmed in Tuason’s childhood home, the location seemed to possess a darkness of its own. Lights flickered, and unsettling events mirrored those unfolding in the script, prompting the crew to seek spiritual protection.
A priest blessed the set, and each cast member received a crystal amulet, a small shield against the unsettling energies that seemed to permeate the house. Kiri recalls a sense of needing to maintain a clear mind amidst the growing unease.
Created independently in Canada with a modest budget, *Undertone* quickly gained attention after a triumphant premiere at the Fantasia International Film Festival. The film’s unique blend of psychological horror and unsettling realism caught the eye of A24, who secured the distribution rights.
For Tuason, the acquisition was a powerful affirmation. It proved that compelling, independent filmmaking could thrive outside of traditional funding structures, offering hope to aspiring filmmakers.
The success of *Undertone* has propelled Tuason into the spotlight, landing him the opportunity to reboot the iconic *Paranormal Activity* franchise. He promises a film filled with Easter eggs and a significant reveal designed to reward longtime fans of the series.
Tuason’s journey, born from personal grief and a fascination with the unsettling, has culminated in a film that is not just frightening, but deeply resonant. *Undertone* is a testament to the power of independent vision and the enduring allure of the unknown.
