Undertone
Click the pic to watch our FOX19 Morning Extra review of Undertone!!!!
Undertone is playing in theaters at the time of review. Rated R. Common Sense says 15+
Eve (Nina Kiri), the host of a popular paranormal podcast becomes haunted by terrifying recordings mysteriously sent her way.
STORY: B
The premise delivers. The payoff doesn’t.
We get plenty of what the trailer and movie poster promise: possessed audio files creating creepy escapades. The film may be a slow burn, but it terrifies from start to finish.
The ending thrills, but it’s not particularly satisfying from a story standpoint—especially for a folk-horror flick full of ancient spirits and cursed children’s lullabies. The amount that matters to you will go a long way in deciding whether you love the movie or not.
PEOPLE: B-
Nina Kiri capably carries the load on her own.
Kiri excels at selling the horror, but a few of her line deliveries feel off. Her swings between skepticism and fear don’t always flow smoothly.
But the few missteps are easily forgiven, considering the script places her in every single scene. Kiri’s “smoothness” batting average is still off the charts.
FILM NERD STUFF: A
Chilling sound design.
Eve’s isolated house alone is enough to fill the audience with horror. When she slips her headphones on, the terror cranks up even higher.
Are those bumps in the night coming from her audio or her own house? What did that backwards message say? What dangers surround her, waiting to pounce? She doesn’t know—because she can’t hear anything in the house.
We find ourselves leaning further in, the sound design keeping us engaged and unable to look away.
ONE BIG LESSON: D
Ten strikes, you’re out.
The universe usually tries to warn you away from painful experiences. The universe is also, generally, pretty patient and understanding. We’re not expected to get the message right away.
But if the universe has to tell you something nine times and you still ignore it? You’re on your own, folks.
FINAL COMMENTS:
Undertone falls just short of being an unforgettable movie. The film is absolutely terrifying, but its confusing, clumsy ending holds it back.
Personally, the last 15 minutes don’t ruin the first 75, which I spent squirming in my seat while pressing my hands to my cheeks because I wanted to be able to cover my eyes as quickly as possible.
In this case, it’s the journey that matters, not the destination.