A24 Wins Bidding War for Ian Tuason’s The Undertone After Fantasia Fest Premiere

A24 locks in Ian Tuason’s haunting debut The Undertone after fierce Fantasia Fest bidding war.

A24 Snags Creepy New Indie: Ian Tuason’s ‘The Undertone’ Lured by Fierce Bidding

Indie horror keeps winning, and the news out of Fantasia Fest proves it. After its premiere on July 27th, Ian Tuason’s debut feature The Undertone became the center of a six-way bidding war, with A24 swooping in for worldwide rights. It’s the latest sign that the studio’s appetite for fresh, slow-burn terror is still ravenous.

Starring Nina Kiri (of The Handmaid’s Tale) as a paranormal podcast host pulled back to her haunted home life, The Undertone ramps up the dread with found recordings and fear-fueled paranoia. Fantasia’s Carolyn Mauricette compared the vibe to Skinamarink and I Am the Pretty Thing That Lives in the House—so expect chills, not cheap thrills.

Tuason’s no stranger to internet scares, with his VR horror shorts racking up millions of views and festival hype. The Undertone, produced by Black Fawn Films and an indie powerhouse team (Slaterverse, Spooky Pictures, Kino Studios), marks a big-league moment for a young Toronto talent.

Deal rumors put the acquisition in the mid-7 figures. A24’s got a reputation for elevating cult horror flicks—looks like The Undertone is next up for the midnight crowd.