Presence (2025), directed by Steven Soderbergh, is a supernatural thriller that takes place entirely within a suburban house. The story follows the Payne family—Rebekah (Lucy Liu), Chris (Chris Sullivan), Chloe (Callina Liang), and Tyler (Eddy Maday)—who move into a new home only to discover that they are being watched by an unseen presence. As strange occurrences escalate, Chloe, who is still grieving the loss of her best friend, becomes the first to sense the entity’s presence.
Themes:
The film explores themes of grief, family dynamics, and the supernatural. It delves into how trauma can affect individuals and families, and how the presence of an unseen force can bring buried emotions to the surface.
Character Development:
The characters in “Presence” are well-developed and relatable. Lucy Liu delivers a strong performance as Rebekah, a driven and somewhat detached mother. Chris Sullivan portrays Chris as a caring and empathetic father, while Callina Liang’s portrayal of Chloe captures her grief and confusion. Eddy Maday’s Tyler adds to the family’s dynamic with his arrogance and lack of empathy.
Director’s Style:
Steven Soderbergh’s direction is experimental and unique. He uses a first-person perspective to immerse the audience in the experience of the unseen presence. The film is shot with a handheld camera, giving it a raw and immediate feel. Soderbergh’s style creates a sense of claustrophobia and tension, making the audience feel as if they are part of the house’s eerie atmosphere.
Technical Aspects:
Cinematography: The film’s visuals are striking, with a mix of natural lighting and handheld camera work that adds to the sense of realism.
Editing: The editing is tight and fast-paced, keeping the audience engaged and on edge.
Score: The musical score by Mark Isham complements the film’s tone, adding to the overall suspense and emotion.
Strengths:
Strong Performances: The cast delivers compelling performances, with standout roles by Lucy Liu and Callina Liang.
Unique Perspective: The first-person viewpoint offers a fresh take on the haunted house genre.
Emotional Depth: The film effectively explores themes of grief and family dynamics, adding emotional weight to the supernatural elements.
Weaknesses:
Predictable Moments: Some plot points may feel familiar to fans of the genre.
Limited Scope: The confined setting may not appeal to everyone, and the film’s slow-burn approach might not be for those seeking constant action.
Overall Impact: Presence 2025
Presence is a thought-provoking and eerie film that successfully combines supernatural elements with a deep exploration of family and grief. While it may have some predictable moments, its strong performances, unique perspective, and emotional depth make it a worthwhile watch for fans of the genre.
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Callina Liang
As ChloeLucy Liu
As RebeccaChris Sullivan
As ChrisEddy Maday
As TylerJulia Fox
As CeceLucas Papaelias
As Carl
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