Move Over, Backrooms: A24’s New Low-Budget 2026 Thriller Is Already a Massive Streaming Hit

Horror is enjoying a massive cultural moment. While the genre has always been a reliable box-office anchor, the last few months have seen titles like Obsession and Backrooms transform into genuine phenomena, captivating Gen Z audiences and posting impressive financial results. Now, another low-budget breakout is dominating the conversation—this time by clinching the top spot on HBO Max this past weekend.

Released nationwide on March 13, 2026, A24’s Undertone has proven to be a juggernaut. Helmed by director Ian Tuason, the Canadian production raked in over $21.6 million domestically, an astounding figure considering its modest $500,000 budget. The narrative centers on a pair of podcasters who stumble upon a series of cryptic audio files detailing a couple’s descent into demonic possession. The tension spirals as one of the hosts (Nina Kiri) travels home to look after her ailing mother, only to find herself drawn into the paranormal mystery.

“I view it as a creepypasta film,” Tuason shared in a recent interview. “The premise revolves around a podcast focused on urban legends, and the audio files they receive are essentially creepypasta media. The entire foundation of the film is built on that internet-horror aesthetic.”

Since its arrival on HBO Max on June 26, Undertone has ascended rapidly, currently outperforming major titles like the Glen Powell-led How To Make a Killing and Steven Spielberg’s Ready Player One, according to industry metrics from FlixPatrol.

The future for Ian Tuason

The runaway success of Undertone has effectively cemented Tuason’s status as a formidable new voice in genre filmmaking. Reports indicate he is set to helm a reboot of the iconic Paranormal Activity franchise, breathing new life into the series that revolutionized found-footage cinema back in 2007.

The Paranormal Activity films are defined by their invasive, voyeuristic style, utilizing home surveillance and night-vision perspectives to create a sense of grounded, inescapable terror—an approach that clearly aligns with Tuason’s creative sensibilities.

With horror titans Jason Blum and James Wan attached as producers, the reboot is currently slated for a May 2027 release. “I’ve always been a massive fan of the franchise,” Tuason noted. “I’m genuinely excited for audiences to experience the revelations we have in store.”

Before achieving feature-film success, Tuason garnered attention for his innovative VR horror shorts, which proved popular on YouTube and earned him a spot at SXSW. Undertone serves as his feature debut, representing a broader trend of filmmakers drawing inspiration from the digital ghost stories and internet folklore that defined their formative years.

“I didn’t set out to chase a trend,” Tuason explained. “My goal was simply to craft the best movie possible, regardless of the genre constraints—though I certainly have an affinity for horror. I wasn’t really monitoring what the rest of the industry was doing at the time, but looking back, I can see how it fits into the current landscape. There is a newfound sense of freedom today, as more directors are pushing the boundaries of what horror can be.”

For Tuason, steering the next chapter of the Paranormal Activity saga feels like the natural evolution of his burgeoning career.

Source: Polygon