The phrase "emotional undercurrent" refers to the hidden or underlying emotions that are present in a situation or interaction, even if they are not openly expressed. Full definition
Three of those dogs die, too, by the way, just to reiterate the real emotional undercurrent of the movie. (markreviewsmovies.com)
A combination of formal and emotional undercurrents runs through the works, which will literally inhabit the spaces of 176 in poetic, disturbing, ghostly or uncanny ways. (zabludowiczcollection.com)
First, the film seriously muddles its vague attempts at emotional undercurrents. (rogerebert.com)