What's Happening?
A24 has released the first trailer for 'Undertone,' a horror film directed by first-time feature filmmaker Ian Tuason. The film, which premiered at the Fantasia Film Festival, was acquired by A24 for a mid-seven-figure
sum. 'Undertone' stars Nina Kiri as Evy, a paranormal podcast host who becomes embroiled in a terrifying mystery after receiving strange recordings from a couple experiencing unusual noises in their home. The film is produced by Dan Slater for Slaterverse Pictures and Cody Calahan for Black Fawn Films, with executive producers including Steven Schneider and Roy Lee for Spooky Pictures. Ian Tuason, known for his live-action virtual reality horror shorts, makes his feature film debut with this project.
Why It's Important?
The acquisition of 'Undertone' by A24 highlights the company's continued investment in unique and innovative horror films, a genre in which it has previously found success. This move could further solidify A24's reputation as a leading distributor of high-quality, independent horror films. The film's unique premise, involving a podcast host and mysterious recordings, taps into the growing popularity of audio-based storytelling and the horror genre's ability to explore psychological and supernatural themes. The involvement of a first-time feature filmmaker like Ian Tuason also underscores the industry's interest in fresh voices and new perspectives, potentially opening doors for other emerging filmmakers.
What's Next?
Following the release of the trailer, 'Undertone' is expected to generate interest among horror enthusiasts and fans of A24's previous work. The film's unique narrative and the reputation of its distributor may lead to significant attention from both audiences and critics. As the release date approaches, marketing efforts will likely intensify, with potential screenings at additional film festivals to build momentum. The film's performance could influence future projects for Ian Tuason and the production companies involved, as well as A24's strategy in acquiring and promoting similar films.
