The Robert Harris novel on which it is is based has a strong political undertow.
From the independent.co.uk
Despite numerous freshets of humor, an undertow of grief runs through the drama.
From the time.com
It does appear as a subtle undertow in a vinaigrette for the side of green beans.
From the philly.com
The rippling comedy in Staying On assumes an undertow that will pull Tusker down.
From the time.com
Five persons were swept out into the lake by a ferocious undertow and drowned.
From the time.com
Skeptics said he also knew he could not fight the undertow of Chappaquiddick.
From the heraldtribune.com
It took 10 minutes before the undertow kicked Anthony out, Downing estimated.
From the timesunion.com
It meant fun, with the serious undertow of showing what Texan women could do.
From the economist.com
Others, like a former machinist named Gary, seem hopelessly caught in the undertow.
From the time.com
More examples
An inclination contrary to the strongest or prevailing feeling; "his account had a poignant undertow of regret"
The seaward undercurrent created after waves have broken on the shore
Undertow is a 1949 thriller film directed by William Castle, starring Scott Brady, Peggy Dow, Bruce Bennett, Dorothy Hart and John Russell. It is the story of an ex-con, a former Chicago mobster, who is accused of the murder of a high ranking Chicago boss. ...
Undertow is the debut full-length album by American progressive metal band Tool, released in 1993. At the time, grunge was at the height of its popularity, and pop punk was slowly beginning to gather mainstream attention. ...
Undertow was a straight edge hardcore punk band from Seattle, Washington active during the early-mid 1990s. They released material on Indecision Records, Bloodlink Records, Excursion Records, and Overkill Records. ...
Undertow, the second release from Blind Idiot God, features a collaboration with John Zorn, and a cover of "Alice in My Fantasies", a song penned by George Clinton.
CHiPs ran for 139 episodes over the course of six seasons .
Undertow is a 2004 thriller film directed by David Gordon Green, starring Jamie Bell, Devon Alan, Dermot Mulroney and Josh Lucas. Taking place in Georgia, the film tells the story of two boys pursued by a murderous uncle.
...And Then There Were Three... is the ninth studio album by the British band Genesis and was released in 1978. It is the band's first album without guitarist Steve Hackett, and the third with Phil Collins on lead vocals, having replaced Peter Gabriel after his departure in 1975.