Chris (Chris Sullivan), Rebekah (Lucy Liu), Tyler (Eddy Maday), and Chloe (Callina Liang) have moved into an old but beautiful home. However, as they try to settle in, it becomes evident that each family member is grappling with their personal struggles. Chris is burdened by something weighing him down while simultaneously trying to do what’s best for his family and children. Rebekah is a workaholic, often placing most of her support and praise on her son, Tyler, while leaving Chloe feeling neglected. Tyler, eager to be popular at school, faces considerable pressure to fit in. Meanwhile, Chloe carries the heaviest burden of all as she continues to deal with the trauma of a past event involving one of her close friends.
In addition to dealing with their issues, the family is unaware of an unusual presence in their new home. The cinematography throughout the opening shots uses point-of-view perspective to reveal something mysterious lurks within the house. Initially, the family is oblivious to this presence, but they begin to experience unexplainable events that cannot be ignored as time passes. This raises further suspicions about what or who is in their home. Is this presence a ghost? A spirit? Is it something demonic, or could it possibly be trying to help?
Presence is a ghost story and thriller with elements of drama. However, it is essential to note that, in my opinion, this is not a horror film, despite what the marketing and poster art might suggest (which misled me). The film was directed by Steven Soderbergh, known for his work on titles such as Ocean’s Eleven, Magic Mike, Logan Lucky, and Erin Brockovich, among others. The screenplay was written by David Koepp, who has an impressive writing portfolio, including Spider-Man (2002), Jurassic Park (1993), Mission Impossible (1996), Panic Room (2002), Carlito’s Way (1993), and many more. Given Steven Soderbergh’s and David Koepp’s talents, I was very excited to see the results. Thankfully, the outcome is mostly positive.
Firstly, I love the character of the Presence and that we see everything from its point of view throughout the entire runtime. I appreciated not knowing what the Presence was (or who it could be). Very early on I was left wondering whether the Presence would be good or perhaps downright evil. The movement and style of the Presence were also fantastic, and I loved the core setting of the large old home, which the Presence never leaves. The Presence isn’t the only mystery in the film. The thriller and drama aspects are handled brilliantly, even though not all the mysteries are fully explained by the time the end credits roll. Instead, the film encourages you to think and consider rewatching it from a different perspective to gain a deeper understanding of each viewing. The main characters, including the family members, are also grappling with their own secrets and personal issues. There are many conflicts, disagreements, and arguments within the household.
However, apart from being disappointed by the film’s marketing, I had some other minor issues, but they all added up. There were scenes that I found painfully dull; it was evident what would occur, yet like the Presence, I was forced to sit and watch various moments unfold. Another issue that greatly bothered me was the quick fade-to-black cuts between scenes. When I found myself comfortable and invested in a situation, the scene would cut to black, taking me to a different moment or situation in the film. This felt disjointed, as the film seemed to move me around constantly, and it was frustrating on my first watch. Another minor issue was not fully understanding everything about the film. I have a solid idea and opinion on various aspects, but I can’t confidently say that everything makes sense or that I can explain everything happening. Naturally, it’s understandable to feel bothered, and opinions will vary among viewers, especially regarding the film’s final moments.
Overall, you’ve come to the wrong place if you’re expecting an edge-of-your-seat horror film filled with gore and violence. Ignoring the film’s marketing, Presence is a ghost story and a thriller with some solid moments of drama. The mystery aspect instantly grabbed my attention, as I wanted to understand the nature of this presence, its intentions, and the secrets within the family introduced early in the film. The movement and lurking of the Presence are executed excellently, and the film’s primary location is quite compelling as well. While the story and core mystery are interesting, I found various scenes boring and unengaging. The choice to use fade-to-black cuts also took me out of scenes I had just become invested in, affecting my overall immersion in the film and its atmosphere multiple times. Despite several reveals and twists, I found a lot of uncertainty bothersome. Opinions will undoubtedly vary on this film. Given that it is directed by Steven Soderbergh and written by David Koepp, it’s worth a watch; the experience is unique for cinema.
Presence (2024) is Now Available in Australian Cinemas!
FILM SCORE: 6.5/10
Published: 5th February 2025
Written by: Peter Walkden
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