Steven Soderbergh’s Presence aims to reinvent the haunted house genre by offering a unique perspective—placing the audience in the point of view of the ghost. Marketed as a psychological horror film, it promised fans something fresh and immersive. With a tight 21-day filming schedule, does Presence deliver on its eerie premise, or does it fall short of expectations?
What sets Presence apart is its unconventional storytelling. By capturing the film entirely from the ghost’s perspective, it creates an unsettling and immersive atmosphere that sets it apart from traditional supernatural horror. At its core, the movie weaves a gripping family drama, focusing on the fractured relationships within a troubled home. The tension between Callina Liang’s Chloe, her mother Rebekah (Lucy Liu), and her brother Tyler (Eddy Maday) keeps audiences engaged, while subtle interactions between the living and the unseen presence heighten the film’s immersive quality.
Callina Liang delivers a standout performance as Chloe, bringing raw emotion and depth to the role. Her scenes with Chris Sullivan, who portrays her father, Chris, are among the film’s most compelling, portraying a touching father-daughter bond that feels authentic. As Chloe’s world unravels, this relationship adds emotional weight, grounding the story in realism.
While the concept behind Presence is intriguing, the execution leaves some gaps. Certain plot points introduced early on remain unresolved, making the story feel incomplete. The film excels in moments like Chloe’s first encounter with the presence, but other elements—such as Rebekah’s cryptic confession about a past crime—are left unexplored, leaving audiences with unanswered questions by the end.
One of the biggest missteps in Presence is its marketing. While promoted as a horror film, it lacks the suspense, tension, and fear factor expected from the genre. Instead, it leans more toward psychological drama with a supernatural twist. Those expecting jump scares or spine-chilling terror may be disappointed. However, for viewers interested in a thought-provoking, emotionally driven narrative with a unique cinematic perspective, Presence offers a fresh take on supernatural storytelling.
As a whole, Presence is an ambitious film that introduces an innovative approach to haunted house horror. While it may not fully satisfy horror purists, its emotional depth, strong performances, and unconventional cinematography make it a fascinating watch. If you’re looking for a ghost story that prioritises character-driven drama over traditional scares, Presence is worth experiencing.
