Presence” is a 2024 American supernatural thriller directed by Steven Soderbergh and written by David Koepp. The film stars Lucy Liu, Julia Fox, and Chris Sullivan, and is scheduled for release by Neon on January 24, 2025.
Synopsis
The story revolves around a family of four, consisting of mother Rebecca (Lucy Liu), father Chris (Chris Sullivan), older brother Tyler (Eddy Maday), and younger sister Chloe (Callina Liang), who take up residence in a large home located in a suburb. They are completely oblivious to the fact that the dwelling is occupied by a poltergeist, known simply as “the Presence,” which is confined to the house for reasons beyond its comprehension. What sets this film apart is that it includes the inner voice of the Presence and explains its situation from afar through the use of long rigid shots.
As the Presence observes the family, it starts to understand some of the family’s dysfunctional dynamics: marriage problems, parental bias, and the children’s personal issues. Chloe, for instance, is mourning the passing of her best friend which makes her the only family member able to perceive the Presence, causing their interaction to be transformative. The film address the intricacies of grief, family problems, and the invisible forces that exists without human knowledge.
Cast & Crew
- Director: Steven Soderbergh
- Writer: David Koepp
- Producers: Julie M. Anderson, Ken Meyer
- Cast:
- Lucy Liu as Rebecca
- Chris Sullivan as Chris
- Callina Liang as Chloe
- Eddy Maday as Tyler
- Julia Fox as Cece
- West Mulholland as Ryan
IMDb Ratings
As of now, “Presence” holds an IMDb rating of 6.5 out of 10, based on 904 user reviews.
Personal Insights
The fact that ‘Presence’ is ghost centered adds to its uniqueness. There is a fresh perspective to the genres because one is made to experience the world through a ghost’s eyes. Due to its handling of family matters, grief, and their unseen effects, the films narrative is profoundly rich in complexity. It is indeed capable of critiquing one’s viewpoint and triggering emotions within.
Cultural Significance
Focus on how Soderbergh’s “Presence” contributes to the horror genre by coalescing the classic supernatural themes with a unique perspective-shifting narrative. The film highlights a family’s deep-seated conflicts while being viewed from the perspective of an otherworldly entity. Its narrative is centered on a ghost’s perspective. Thus, it explores the complexities of human relations and the obscured dynamics that affect us…which is truly intriguing. This fresh perspective breathes new life to the classic ghost house movie and makes the audience to ponder on what existence, nonexistence, and hauntingly deep filled scars truly means.