Steven Soderbergh's latest film, "Presence," is making waves within the horror genre as it reinterprets the classic haunted house narrative by presenting it entirely from the viewpoint of the ghost. This unconventional approach has garnered interest and varying reviews since its release on February 5, 2025.
Centering around the Payne family, who relocate to a new home following a tragedy, the film intricately weaves themes of familial strife and trauma. The narrative focuses on youngest daughter Chloe (played by Callina Liang), who is grappling with the recent death of her best friend, Nadia. Despite the pain she endures, the film contrasts her plight with the strained relationships within her family, particularly her mother's (portrayed by Lucy Liu) complicated dynamics with her children.
Soderbergh, known for his artistic versatility, takes on the mantle of director, editor, cinematographer, and camera operator, delivering his signature visual style alongside powerful storytelling. Shot predominantly through long takes, the film restricts the audience's view to what the ghost perceives, enhancing the emotional weight of the family’s turmoil as it is observed by the supernatural entity. "A slow-burning spectral thriller, Presence reaffirms..." stated Rotten Tomatoes, summarizing the film's deliberate pacing and psychological depth.
The use of this subjective camera creates not only suspense but also evokes empathy from the audience. Instead of jump scares, Soderbergh relies on atmospheric tension and character development. "Soderbergh’s ability to continually push boundaries..." noted Ross Bonaime of Collider, praising Soderbergh’s innovative approach to horror, which turns the mundane interactions of the family—such as uneasy conversations and suppressed grief—into chilling moments.
Despite its intricacies, "Presence" details family dramas against the backdrop of haunting occurrences. It delves deep as the ghost observes Chloe's distress among the dynamics with her older brother Tyler (Eddy Maday) and their parents. Each scene is crafted to establish both the ghost's character and the family's emotional struggles, blending horror with poignant family drama.
Critics have noted both the strengths and weaknesses of the narrative. While the film shines during its exploration of trauma, the execution veers at times toward the ambiguous—raising questions about the nature of the ghost and its motives. Dustin Meadows pointed out, "Presence is not without its chilling moments..." acknowledging the film’s slow-burn strategy, which many horror enthusiasts may find frustrating or disengaging.
"Presence," with its modest production budget of $2 million, has grossed over $5 million domestically, reaching $6 million globally. This financial success indicates Soderbergh's ability to produce engaging content even when operating outside typical Hollywood parameters. Going by industry standards—the notion being films typically need to gross twice their budget to break even—"Presence" has exceeded expectations.
Bringing fresh narratives to the screen, "Presence" aligns itself with contemporary trends exploring horror from different perspectives. Alongside earlier films like "A Ghost Story," the recent release continues the evolution of the genre. This has sparked dialogue among critics about the effectiveness of the ghost's perspective as the motif is far from novel. The film has revitalized the premise, emphasizing character depth and the weight of emotional journeys.
Critics are split on Soderbergh's artistic choices. Some assert the film embodies the essence of exploration and experimentation, stating, “It seems, again, to be the simplest way to describe it without giving anything away...” Soderbergh noted during discussions about the film's title. With Soderbergh's multifaceted approach, there's potential to draw audiences who may typically shy away from traditional horror films.
While some reactions highlight its artistic merits, others echo concerns over the limited dynamics provided by the ghost's perspective. Whereas films such as "Presence" succeed within the critics’ circles, audience responses remain mixed, prompting discussions about pacing. Surprisingly evident is the insightful development of character relations embedded within the plot, showing Soderbergh's knack for portraying genuine emotion, even within the shivers of the horror genre.
Viewing "Presence" entails appreciating not just the unsettling and eerie but also the heartbreak of the human condition, all seen through the timeless lens of grief and longing. It prompts viewers to navigate through layers of tension, questioning perceptions of reality and the supernatural. With the growing interest in perspectives traditionally relegated to villains or antagonists, the potential for future films remains ripe with possibility.
If you’re seeking thoughtful horror, Soderbergh's direction melds experimentation with chilling observations of family dynamics. "Presence" is not just about the frights lurking at the corner of the room; it is, at its core, woven with the fabric of human experience, leaving audiences questioning who—and what—really haunts our homes and hearts.