A24 has once again captivated horror enthusiasts with its latest chilling production, "Undertone," directed by the visionary Ian Tuason. This film, produced with a modest budget of $500,000, has been lauded as one of the most unsettling cinematic experiences of 2026, primarily due to a powerfully commanding lead performance. Nina Kiri, known for her compelling role in "The Handmaid’s Tale," stars as Evy Babic, who along with Justin (Adam DiMarco), co-hosts the "Undertone Podcast."

The narrative unfolds as Evy, while diligently caring for her comatose mother (Michèle Duquet), takes nightly respites to record her podcast with Justin. Their show typically delves into supernatural occurrences, with Evy embracing the role of the believer and Justin that of the skeptic. However, their dynamic shifts dramatically when they receive an anonymous email containing ten unsettling audio files. These recordings force Evy to confront the terrifying possibility that the supernatural phenomena they discuss might, in fact, be horrifyingly real.

"Undertone" stands out as an unusual production, offering Nina Kiri a rare opportunity to showcase her acting prowess in what is essentially a one-woman show visually. The camera's focus remains almost exclusively on Kiri as she navigates her character’s daily life, moving between her mother’s care upstairs and her podcasting sessions downstairs. Adam DiMarco’s presence as Justin is conveyed solely through his voice, emphasizing Evy's isolation and the singular weight of the unfolding horror on her shoulders.

To facilitate Kiri’s compelling and natural performance, director Ian Tuason and producer Dan Slater implemented unique filming strategies. For the scenes involving Justin, an actor named Ryan Turner was physically present upstairs, engaging in live conversations and real phone calls with Kiri, who was situated downstairs. Kiri described this interaction as "invaluable," highlighting how having a real person and a skilled actor to play off of significantly enhanced the authenticity of her reactions.

Another crucial and effective choice in the production involved the mysterious audio files central to the plot. Kiri was intentionally kept from hearing these haunting recordings until the exact moment of filming. As she recounted, "We're going to get you to listen to the recordings as they happen." This technique ensured that her reactions were genuinely spontaneous and visceral. The quality of these recordings, voiced by actors Jeff Yung and Keana Lyn Bastidas, proved to be a formidable backbone for the film, with Kiri noting that they "basically did the work for me," as she experienced their chilling content for the very first time on camera.

The climax of "Undertone" features an epic and ambitious oner—a single, unbroken shot—that guides the viewer through Evy’s home as her world is consumed by supernatural forces. Kiri confirmed that this lengthy sequence was indeed accomplished in one continuous take, a testament to the cast and crew’s dedication. She described the process as "amazing" and "fulfilling," acknowledging the immense stakes and pressure involved when "you can't opt out." Kiri also detailed the challenge of balancing precise technical requirements with the raw, sky-high emotion demanded by the scene. Despite her own initial feelings of needing a retake, the crew assured her of its brilliance, underscoring the demanding nature of such a complex, single-shot performance.

Regarding the fate of Justin, Evy's podcast co-host, Nina Kiri offered a grim perspective. While confirming that Justin survives the events of the film because he did not summon anything, she believes he is left spiritually decimated by the experience. "I think maybe this breaks him in some way. I'm not sure, because he's very breakable," Kiri mused, suggesting a profoundly unsettling aftermath for the character.