Director: Steven Soderbergh
Starring: Lucy Liu, Julia Fox, Chris Sullivan, Callina Liang
Steven Soderbergh’s Presence is an atmospheric and unconventional supernatural drama that lingers in your mind long after the credits roll. It’s not your typical haunted house horror film—instead, it unfolds with an eerie elegance, presenting a deeply affecting story about family, grief, and the unknown.
A Story Told from the Other Side
The film follows a family that moves into a new suburban home, only to sense an unexplained presence watching over them. What sets Presence apart is its bold storytelling approach—the entire film is shot from the perspective of the ghost itself. This unique choice creates a deeply immersive experience, making the audience feel like an unseen observer, much like the entity within the film.
Lucy Liu delivers a powerful performance as a workaholic mother, seemingly too consumed by her job to notice the growing unease within her household. Chris Sullivan, as the father, stands out with a nuanced and heartfelt performance, bringing a quiet strength to his role as the emotional anchor for their children. Callina Liang, playing the perceptive daughter, embodies the role of a child attuned to the supernatural, a trope often seen in horror films but executed here with exceptional subtlety and realism.
Despite its supernatural premise, Presence isn’t packed with the usual horror tropes we usually see in other films. Instead of relying on jump scares, it builds an overwhelming sense of unease through long, flowing shots and an unsettlingly quiet atmosphere. The cinematography, dominated by wide-angle lenses and unbroken takes, keeps the audience in a constant state of anticipation, enhancing the ghostly perspective.
For those expecting a standard horror flick, Presence may be a bit of a surprise. The film leans more toward psychological and emotional depth rather than outright terror. It shares DNA with films like Lake Mungo and A Ghost Story, where the horror stems more from the emotional weight of its narrative than from sudden frights.
An Ending That Rewrites the Film
The final act of Presence is what cements its place as a thought-provoking film altogether. NO SPOILERS, but the conclusion forces the audience to re-examine everything that came before it. The way the film plays with time and perception adds layers of meaning, inviting multiple interpretations and discussions. It’s the kind of ending that makes you want to rewatch the movie immediately to catch all the subtle clues that were hiding in plain sight.
Presence is a masterclass in atmosphere and storytelling, proving that horror doesn’t always have to be about fear—it can also be about sorrow, memory, and the lingering impact of past events. While it may not be for everyone, particularly those seeking traditional scares, it will undoubtedly resonate with viewers who appreciate thoughtful, emotionally charged filmmaking.
Soderbergh once again proves his ability to innovate within any genre he touches, crafting a film that is as poetic as it is haunting. If you’re in the mood for a supernatural drama that challenges your perception and leaves you contemplating its meaning long after watching, Presence is well worth your time.