Steven Soderbergh’s Presence offers a ghost story with a unique perspective, a grounded sense of unease, and strong character work.
A Ghost Story with a Unique Perspective
Steven Soderbergh doesn’t make ordinary movies, and Presence is no exception. Told almost entirely from the perspective of an unseen entity, the film drops us into a newly bought house occupied by a fractured family. What starts as a quiet observation of their daily lives—awkward dinner conversations, unresolved grief, and hushed arguments—slowly morphs into something more unsettling. There’s something lurking in this house, and while it may not fit neatly into the horror mould, its ‘presence’ is undeniable.
An Atmospheric, Slow-Burn Haunting
Soderbergh trades traditional jump scares for a creeping, ever-present dread. The cinematography and sound design do most of the heavy lifting here, crafting an atmosphere that’s less about outright terror and more about an eerie, almost voyeuristic discomfort.
Rather than relying on the usual haunted house clichés, Presence builds its tension through stillness, making the audience hyper-aware of every movement, every flicker of light, every half-heard conversation. Soderbergh’s signature hyper-realism makes the supernatural elements feel oddly plausible, like something you could brush off as a trick of the mind—until you can’t.
A Strong Cast Brings the Family Drama to Life
Horror movies can stumble when it comes to believable character interactions, especially in more cheesy fare involving teenagers, but Presence excels at making the family at its centre feel lived-in. The dynamic between them—strained relationships, buried secrets, and unresolved grief—adds weight to the story, making their struggles just as compelling as the eerie happenings around them.
Each performance feels natural, with subtle expressions and body language doing just as much work as the dialogue. There’s an emotional core to Presence that keeps you invested even when the film lingers a little too long on its quiet, observational style. The family’s internal fractures don’t need the supernatural to be unsettling—they already feel haunted in their own way.
Themes of Loss, Uncertainty, and Secrets That Linger
In Presence, themes of loss and uncertainty run deep, and as the story unfolds, it becomes clear that the family’s emotional baggage might be just as much of a haunting force as any supernatural presence. Soderbergh layers in these ideas subtly, making the film feel more like an exploration of grief and guilt rather than a straight-up horror flick.
This approach works beautifully in some moments, creating an emotional depth rarely seen in the genre. However, it also means that viewers expecting a more conventional ghost story might find themselves frustrated by the film’s measured pacing and lack of traditional scares.
A Non-Traditional Horror That Sticks the Landing
While Presence might test some audience members’ patience, its payoff is undeniably effective. The final act delivers an emotional gut punch rather than a cheap jolt, making the slow build feel worthwhile. Soderbergh isn’t interested in easy resolutions or clear-cut explanations, and the ending leaves just enough ambiguity to keep you thinking about it long after the credits roll.
That said, Presence is a film that demands a certain level of buy-in from its audience. If you’re looking for a conventional haunted house flick, this isn’t it. But if you’re willing to go along with its unique perspective and slow-burning tension, there’s something quietly powerful waiting on the other side.
Final Verdict
Presence is an atmospheric, unconventional ghost story that trades traditional horror beats for a creeping sense of unease and family drama. For those willing to engage with its slow-burn storytelling and unique perspective, the payoff is equal parts haunting and rewarding.
Fun Fact
Though well-received at the Sundance Film Festival, some viewers walked out due to its intensity. One person said, “I cannot take this stress so late at night.”
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