Presence Review: Ghostly Gimmick That Works
Theatrical Movie Review - Supernatural Thriller
Movies based on a gimmick can be fascinating or terrible. Does the gimmick add to the story, or does the story exist only to prop up the stunt? Steven Soderbergh has long been a filmmaker who is willing to try experimental techniques for his films, and his latest, Presence, is no exception. Where in the past he has done things like shooting an entire movie on an iPhone or creating a film with no script, this time, he has given us a haunted house movie entirely from the perspective of the ghost.
When Rebekah (Lucy Liu) and Chris (Chris Sullivan) move, their primary goal is to get their son Tyler (Eddy Maday) into the correct school district so that he can join the best swimming team. Concern for Chloe (Callina Liang) is of lesser importance despite the recent death of her best friend. As they settle into their new home, Chloe begins to sense a presence that follows her around. Chloe feels disconnected from her mother and brother, who have a close relationship, and while she and her father seem to have a good relationship, she seems only to connect with Tyler’s friend Ryan (West Mulholland). The ghost, however, appears to have concerns about that relationship.
The idea of filming a movie from the perspective of a ghost seems a bit silly, but it works remarkably well in Presence. It does mean that we have some gaps in time and abrupt endings to scenes, but that aided in the unfolding narrative. It allows you to stay engaged with the story without learning too much too quickly. It is impressive that the gimmick actually enhances the storytelling rather than forcing it into something that doesn’t work. David Koepp’s script gels with the confines of Soderbergh’s direction to form something unique.
There are a few clunky moments, but some genuinely impressive performances save them. The film is constructed so that each scene is somewhat disconnected from the others, but the strength of the core cast ensures that their essence is felt throughout the movie. Everyone has an opportunity to shine, even if just for a moment, but those moments are enough to help us connect with the characters on a deep level and genuinely understand their motivations.
Presence addresses some interesting themes in its short run-time. It is a fascinating look at family enmeshment and how it can create familial tensions. It addresses how trauma can shape the choices you make, particularly when you’re young. And it is a surprisingly interesting take on consent, control, and how that can be manipulated by someone with ill intent.
This film is being marketed as a horror film, and I suppose that technically it is, but don’t go in expecting Presence to be a typical horror at all or even a standard ghost story. There are familiar elements in it, to be sure, but enough is turned on its head to make this a standout in the genre.
This review originally appeared in The Dominion Post on January 26, 2025.
Worked remarkably well for sure. We loved this movie. Had zero expectations, and I was hooked from the opening shot (I didn't know about the POV). There's a little mystery baked in as well. It's the first film we can remember that we both want to see it a second time in theater. A rewatch will be rewarding, want I think give viewers even more to talk and think about while pondering what Presence really means.