A24's latest horror offering, Undertone, is making waves not just for its chilling story, but for the innovative and genuinely unsettling way it was brought to life. Starring The Handmaid's Tale alum Nina Kiri as podcaster Evy Babic, the film's most terrifying moments were often captured in real time, with the actress experiencing the horror alongside her character.
Building Terror in Real Time
In a recent interview, Kiri peeled back the curtain on the film's unique production. Undertone is largely a one-woman show, with the camera following Evy as she cares for her comatose mother and hosts a supernatural investigation podcast with her partner, Justin (voiced by Adam DiMarco). To create authentic podcasting scenes, the production employed a clever technique: an actor was stationed in another room, conducting live phone calls with Kiri during filming. "It was a live conversation and a live phone call, like a real phone call," Kiri explained. This method provided the genuine back-and-forth energy crucial for her performance.
The Haunting Audio Files
Perhaps the most effective tool for generating real fear was the decision to keep Kiri in the dark about the film's central mystery—a series of disturbing audio files. Director Ian Tuason had her listen to the recordings for the first time only when the cameras were rolling. "I didn't know what the recordings would sound like until we started shooting the scenes," Kiri said. "Those recordings were so haunting and basically did the work for me, because it was me hearing them for the first time." This approach ensured her reactions of shock and dread were completely genuine, a tactic that elevates the film's pervasive sense of unease. For fans of innovative horror techniques, this method is reminiscent of how other genre greats, like the films that redefined fear after 'It Follows', have played with audience and performer perception.
The Ambitious One-Take Climax
The film's most technically daring sequence is its climactic one-take shot, which follows Evy in a continuous, harrowing journey through her home as supernatural forces close in. Kiri confirmed the sequence was indeed captured in a single, unbroken take. "That was one take," she stated, describing the experience as "amazing" and "so fulfilling."
"There's something about the one takes where everyone's like, [screams], because there are stakes to every second, and you can't opt out," Kiri elaborated. The pressure was immense, requiring her to balance precise technical marks with raw, escalating emotion. She recalled the challenge of wondering, "'Am I being too technical and then not giving a good performance?'" This high-wire act resulted in a finale that is as technically impressive as it is emotionally devastating, cementing the film's status as a new horror benchmark.
A New Scream Queen is Crowned
With Undertone, Nina Kiri delivers a commanding, physically demanding performance that anchors the entire film. The production's commitment to immersive, real-time filmmaking provided her with the tools to make Evy's terror palpable. From the live podcast interactions to the shocking audio reveals and the marathon one-take finale, every element was designed to elicit authentic fear. This focus on in-the-moment performance is a hallmark of A24's successful horror strategy, proving once again that sometimes the scariest things on screen are the ones that feel the most real. The film's success continues a strong trend for the studio, following other acclaimed projects like Amy Madigan's Oscar-winning role in 'Weapons'.
As Undertone continues to terrify audiences in theaters, it stands as a testament to how inventive filmmaking can create profound scares, leaving both its star and viewers genuinely shaken.
