Horror fans have been buzzing about Obsession since its May 2026 release, but there's another low-budget terror that's quietly making waves on streaming. Undertone, an A24 release from earlier this year, is currently the number two most popular film on HBO Max—and for good reason. While Obsession dominated the box office with a $400 million global haul on a shoestring budget, Undertone offers a completely different kind of horror experience that's just as gripping.
Directed by Ian Tuason, Undertone follows Evy (Nina Kiri), a young Catholic woman caring for her dying mother in her childhood home. Evy hosts a paranormal podcast called The Undertone with her co-host Justin (Adam DiMarco). When Justin receives a series of bizarre audio clips, the recordings turn violent and hint at a demonic presence. Soon, that presence begins to manifest in the dark corners of Evy's house.
What makes Undertone stand out is its innovative use of sound. Tuason, who filmed the movie in his real-life childhood home in Toronto, creates an atmosphere of creeping dread that relies heavily on audio. The film's sound design—from eerie nursery rhymes to subtle creaks—demands your full attention. As Collider raved in our review, this is a movie you can't watch while scrolling on your phone; it requires both eyes and ears.
The film's budget was a mere $500,000, yet it earned $21 million worldwide—a solid return that landed Tuason the job of directing Paranormal Activity 8. On Rotten Tomatoes, Undertone holds a 74% Tomatometer score, proving critics and audiences alike appreciate its unique approach. Unlike Obsession, which became a cultural phenomenon, Undertone is a hidden gem that's finding its audience on streaming.
Tuason's decision to film in his own home adds a layer of authenticity that a glossy Hollywood production couldn't replicate. The entire movie takes place in that house, making it feel increasingly suffocating. Evy is the only human presence on screen (aside from brief shots of her mother and Justin's voice), pulling us into her isolation. The tension builds through what we don't see in the darkness, forcing us to imagine the horror based on what we hear.
If you're a fan of slow-burn horror that gets under your skin, Undertone is a must-watch. It's currently streaming on HBO Max, and for the full effect, wear headphones or turn up the volume. This is one of the best horror films of 2026, and it's finally getting the attention it deserves.
