A new supernatural horror film making waves at the 2026 Sundance Film Festival is gaining attention as one of the most chilling genre entries of the year. Critics and early viewers are praising Undertone, a psychological horror that blends minimal settings with intense scare work, calling it “one of the scariest movies ever.”
Directed by Ian Tuason, Undertone centres on paranormal podcast host Nina Kiri, who returns home to care for her dying mother and begins receiving disturbing recordings from a mysterious couple. The film’s atmospheric dread and unsettling sound design have drawn frequent comparisons to Paranormal Activity, with early reactions highlighting its ability to elicit fear through tension and suggestion rather than overt gore.
Undertone has become a standout in Sundance’s genre slate thanks to its striking use of isolation and lore, amplifying psychological terror through careful pacing and sparse environments. Reviewers note how the film’s intimate scale contributes to its creeping sense of unease, making it feel both personal and universal in its fear.
In addition to its festival buzz, Undertone’s success has led to further franchise developments. The film’s director, Ian Tuason, has been tapped to helm the upcoming Paranormal Activity 8, marking a major step for one of horror’s longest-running supernatural franchises. The eighth instalment, set for theatrical release in May 2027, will bring Tuason’s rising genre voice to a broader global audience.
Fans eager for unsettling new horror should watch for wider Undertone news as its festival run continues, and keep an eye out for the next chapter of Paranormal Activity under Tuason’s direction.
