Undertone
Horror told through podcast format, so good headphones are essential for maximum effect.
The brief
Tuason builds dread through audio design that'll make you rip your headphones off, turning everyday podcast recordings into something genuinely sinister. Nina Kiri nails the slow descent from skeptical host to genuinely terrified believer, and the film wisely keeps its scares rooted in psychological terror rather than cheap jumps. The pacing feels like listening to a true crime podcast at 2am - methodical, intimate, and increasingly unnerving as each "episode" gets darker. Perfect for anyone who loved The Ring's concept but wished it was about creepypasta instead of cursed VHS tapes.
The verdict
If you're into slow-burn psychological horror that builds dread through sound design and love the intimacy of true crime podcasts, this is a genuinely creepy experience that gets under your skin. If you prefer fast-paced scares or need constant action to stay engaged, the methodical pacing and audio-focused terror will likely leave you checking your phone.
Watch with
- 👤 Solo with good headphones for full immersion
- 👥 Podcast lovers who enjoy creepy audio stories
- ⚠️ Skip if you're sensitive to audio-based scares
Heads up
- Intense psychological horror and paranormal themes (frequent)
- Disturbing audio recordings and sound design (moderate)
- Jump scares through audio elements (moderate)
Credits
- Director
- Ian Tuason
- Cast
- Nina Kiri, Adam DiMarco, Michèle Duquet, Keana Bastidas, Jeff Yung, Ryan Turner, Brian Quintero
Official synopsis
The host of a popular paranormal podcast becomes haunted by terrifying recordings mysteriously sent her way.
The Double
Make a night of it
Pair this with Perfect Blue (1998)
Both explore psychological terror through media and distorted reality.
Total runtime: 1h 34m + 1h 22m = 2h 56m
