Presence (2024) - A Unique Take on the Supernatural
Presence Review 2024
You Are Not Alone
Even when you're by yourself, there are unseen entities
all around. And if you want to see what the world looks like from their
perspective, Steven Soderbergh’s Presence offers a fresh and haunting
take. The psychological drama follows a family who moves into a new home in the
suburbs, only to realize they may not be alone.
Presence Trailer
Steven Soderbergh’s Unique Vision
Soderbergh has created some very compelling and unique
films over his career, including Unsane and Contagion, as well as
more mainstream hits like Ocean's 11, Magic Mike, and Erin
Brockovich. In Presence, he provides a rare and intimate look at
what it would be like to be a spirit roaming a home when a new family moves in.
A Sparse Yet Effective Setting
The film takes place in a single location—a large,
older home—with only five main cast members. The confined space creates a sense
of claustrophobia mixed with familiarity. Because everything is seen from the
presence’s point of view, the exterior is only visible through windows. This
approach enhances the film’s eerie and immersive atmosphere.
A Unique Narrative Structure
To keep the storytelling fresh, Presence is
presented as a collection of vignettes. Each scene lasts between one to eight
minutes and is filmed in a continuous take, following characters as they move
through the home. When a sequence ends, the screen fades to black before
resuming from wherever the presence appears next. While this technique builds
unease, the frequent fades to black can be distracting, making the viewing
experience slightly disjointed.
Visual and Cinematic Techniques
The film’s opening sequence is an extended scene that
takes viewers through all the rooms of the house, resembling a virtual Zillow
tour—but with an ominous edge. The use of a specific lens creates a slight
distortion on the edges of the screen, which may be unsettling at first.
However, as the movie progresses, the visual style becomes more immersive.
A Talented, Small Cast
The film stars Lucy Liu, Chris Sullivan, Callina Liang,
Eddy Maday, and West Mulholland. The family dynamic is uncomfortable, with a
strained marriage and tense relationships between parents and children.
- Callina Liang as
Chloe: The central character, Chloe, is subtly aware
of the presence in the home. Her performance is both secretive and
vulnerable, making her a compelling focal point.
- Chris Sullivan as
Chris: Playing Chloe’s father, Chris, Sullivan
delivers a heartfelt performance as a concerned parent trying to connect
with his daughter. His relationship with Chloe provides the film’s most
touching moments.
Not a Horror Movie, But a Tragic Drama
Despite the supernatural premise, Presence is
not a horror film. Instead, it’s a drama with an underlying sadness that
permeates every scene. The tension within the family is uncomfortable yet
captivating, with a small air of mystery surrounding the presence’s intentions
and Chloe’s own personal struggles.
Emotionally Poignant Moments
While Presence doesn’t rely on traditional
scares, it has deeply affecting moments. One particular scene caused the hair
on my arms to stand up—not because of a jump scare, but because of its
emotional weight. The film’s ability to elicit strong feelings makes it more
impactful than expected.
Tight Storytelling and Realistic Dialogue
At just 85 minutes long, Presence delivers a
concise and engaging narrative. The dialogue, though scripted, has a natural
flow, occasionally feeling improvised. Some exchanges are awkward, but this
only adds to the realism.
Innovative Cinematography and Supernatural Effects
The film predominantly uses a Steadicam or gimbal for
smooth, roaming shots. Some subtle in-camera effects create a pulsing
sensation, almost giving the presence a voice without using sound. One standout
moment features objects moving in an unbroken shot, executed so seamlessly that
it’s impossible to spot any special effects.
Unanswered Questions Add to the Mystery
While some story elements remain vague and unresolved,
this ambiguity enhances the film rather than detracts from it. A full
explanation would require excessive exposition, which could dilute the film’s
emotional impact. Instead, the mystery lingers, leaving a lasting impression.
Final Thoughts
Presence shines with its creative perspective and immersive
storytelling. The limited cast delivers authentic, emotionally charged
performances, while the continuous takes and roaming camera create a
voyeuristic, mournful tone. Despite minor distractions like the frequent fades
to black, Soderbergh crafts a quiet yet deeply affecting family drama that
explores grief and personal growth in an unconventional way.
Summery
Steven Soderbergh’s Presence (2024) offers a
unique supernatural perspective, following a family moving into a new home,
unknowingly observed by an unseen entity. Shot in continuous takes with a
roaming camera, the film’s eerie, immersive style enhances its emotional depth.
Featuring a small yet talented cast, including Callina Liang and Chris
Sullivan, the story explores strained family dynamics and personal grief rather
than traditional horror. While the frequent fades to black can be distracting,
the film’s innovative cinematography, natural dialogue, and poignant moments
create a hauntingly beautiful experience, leaving some mysteries unresolved yet
emotionally impactful.
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