The Next Best Picture Podcast – Interview With “Undertone” Filmmaker Ian Tuason

Key Takeaways

• Undertone premiered at Fantasia Fest, July 27, 2025.
• Film screened in Sundance 2026 Midnight section, received praise.
• Only two characters appear on-screen; sound drives horror.
• A24 distributes Undertone theatrically across North America.
• Podcast interview reveals director's vision and sound design strategy.

Summary

Canadian horror debut "Undertone", written and directed by Ian Tuason, premiered at Fantasia Fest on July 27, 2025. The film stars Nina Kiri and Adam DiMarco but shows only two characters on‑screen, using off‑screen voices and meticulous sound design to create dread. It later screened in the Midnight section of Sundance 2026, where critics praised its atmosphere and Kiri’s performance. A24 has picked up the title for theatrical release, and Tuason discussed the project on the Next Best Picture Podcast, part of the Evergreen Podcasts Network.

Pulse Analysis

The horror genre has long leaned on visual shock, but recent releases demonstrate a resurgence of audio‑first storytelling. "Undertone" pushes this boundary by limiting on‑screen presence to two actors and letting ambient recordings, whispers, and static carry the terror. This technique taps into the primal human response to unseen threats, offering a fresh sensory experience that resonates with audiences fatigued by conventional jump‑scares. By foregrounding sound design, the film aligns with a broader industry trend where creators experiment with immersive audio to differentiate their work in a crowded market.

Festival circuits remain critical launchpads for ambitious indie projects, and "Undertone" leveraged that pathway effectively. After its world premiere at Fantasia Fest, the film earned a coveted slot in Sundance’s Midnight program, a badge of credibility that attracted critical acclaim for its atmospheric tension and Nina Kiri’s nuanced performance. The subsequent acquisition by A24—a studio known for championing distinctive genre pieces—signals confidence in the film’s commercial viability and its potential to draw horror‑enthusiast crowds to theaters. This progression underscores how strategic festival exposure can translate into mainstream distribution for low‑budget, high‑concept titles.

Beyond the screen, podcasts like the Next Best Picture play an increasingly vital role in amplifying indie cinema. By featuring in‑depth conversations with creators such as Tuason, the podcast provides listeners with behind‑the‑scenes insight, fostering a community of informed fans who are more likely to seek out niche releases. The partnership with the Evergreen Podcasts Network further extends reach, turning a single interview into a promotional engine that supports both the film’s lifecycle and the broader ecosystem of independent filmmaking. As audio platforms continue to grow, they will become indispensable tools for filmmakers aiming to cut through the noise of traditional marketing channels.