"Undertone": A Recursive Exploration of Grief and Storytelling

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  Published in Science and Technology on Sunday, March 22nd 2026 at 12:14 GMT by Nerdist
      Locales: UNITED STATES, UNITED KINGDOM

Beyond the Layers: 'Undertone' and the Recursive Nature of Grief and Storytelling

Ewa Lovatt's short film, Undertone, released to critical acclaim at several independent film festivals, isn't simply a movie; it's an experience. Describing it feels akin to attempting to capture smoke - the essence is present, but the form constantly shifts and dissipates. The film, starring Michael Shimmer and Sam Swainsbury, initially appears to be a nested narrative - a man telling a story about a man who tells a story. However, to reduce Undertone to a simple structural description would be a disservice to its emotional depth and intellectual resonance.

Premiering last year, Undertone quickly gained a following among cinephiles intrigued by its unconventional approach. It avoids easy answers and narrative resolutions, instead opting for a deliberately ambiguous and haunting portrayal of grief, memory, and the very act of storytelling. The film opens with Shimmer's character, unnamed and seemingly present at a memorial service, beginning to recount a tale. This tale centres on a man awaiting news in an undertaker's waiting room, who in turn, shares a story with a stranger. The recursive nature of this narrative structure isn't a gimmick; it's a meticulously crafted device to mirror the way our own memories function - fragmented, layered, and often unreliable.

Lovatt expertly utilizes cinematic techniques to reinforce this theme. The editing, described as "sharp and precise," isn't about creating a fast-paced thriller; rather, it's about subtly disorienting the viewer, blurring the boundaries between the present (Shimmer at the memorial) and the story within the story. This disorientation isn't accidental. It's a deliberate attempt to place the audience inside the mind of someone grappling with loss, where the past isn't a neatly ordered sequence of events, but a chaotic jumble of emotions and recollections.

The soundtrack also plays a pivotal role in establishing the film's "off-kilter tone." It's not designed to manipulate emotions directly, but to create a sense of unease and introspection. The score isn't bombastic or melodramatic; it's subtle and atmospheric, allowing the emotional weight of the performances to take centre stage. This minimalist approach enhances the film's realism and allows the viewer to project their own experiences onto the narrative.

Michael Shimmer's performance is arguably the film's anchor. He doesn't rely on grand gestures or histrionics. Instead, he delivers his lines with a "gentle, almost soothing cadence" that contrasts sharply with the underlying sorrow of the story. This contrast is crucial. It suggests that storytelling itself can be a form of coping mechanism - a way to distance ourselves from pain and find meaning in the face of tragedy. The act of narrating becomes a shield, a way to contain and control overwhelming emotions.

Undertone isn't interested in what the stories are about, but how they are told. The specifics of the narratives within the film are deliberately vague. Lovatt isn't trying to tell a compelling plot; she's interested in exploring the universal human experience of loss and the ways in which we use stories to process it. This emphasis on form over content is what sets Undertone apart from more conventional dramas.

Beyond its artistic merits, Undertone offers a compelling commentary on the power of empathy and human connection. The simple act of sharing a story with a stranger in the undertaker's waiting room provides a momentary respite from grief, a brief connection that transcends the individual's pain. It suggests that even in our darkest moments, we are not alone, and that the act of storytelling can be a powerful force for healing.

In a cinematic landscape often dominated by spectacle and special effects, Undertone stands out as a quiet, introspective work of art. It's a film that demands attention, encourages contemplation, and lingers in the mind long after the credits roll. It is a deceptively simple film that reveals increasing layers of meaning upon repeated viewings, cementing its status as a profoundly moving and thought-provoking piece of cinema.