Anna Daniels
Steven Soderbergh consistently pushes creative boundaries in his work. His film career spans from commercial hits like Ocean’s Eleven to niche projects like Bubble, showcasing a diverse range of storytelling. His latest film, Presence, continues this trend, offering an atmospheric haunted house narrative that eschews typical horror elements for a more reflective approach that resonates emotionally.
Initially, Presence seems like a standard haunted house story where a family encounters unsettling phenomena after moving into a new suburban home. However, Soderbergh elevates it by filming entirely from the ghost’s viewpoint, crafting an immersive experience that evokes a sense of intimate discomfort with the characters. This ghostly perspective enhances the tension, combining haunting observation with a sense of empathy.
The plot centers on Chloe (portrayed powerfully by Callina Liang), a young woman coping with the tragic loss of her best friend. She believes her friend’s spirit inhabits their house. Meanwhile, Chloe’s mother (played by Lucy Liu in a compelling role) strives to maintain family unity amid her own challenges, and her brother (Eddy Maday) brushes off Chloe’s concerns while being drawn to a mysterious companion, creating a nuanced family drama where supernatural elements mingle with human vulnerability.
Soderbergh’s minimalist directing style shines in this film. Completed in just ten days, Presence runs a tight 85 minutes, with every shot thoughtfully crafted. His use of wide-angle shots and a muted color scheme transforms familiar suburban environments into eerie, otherworldly spaces. The sound design enhances the atmosphere, featuring creaking boards, soft whispers, and a persistent sense of unease without relying on clichéd scares.
David Koepp’s script balances elements of eerie suspense with genuine emotional drama. Chloe’s sorrow is vividly portrayed, making her attempts to decode her haunting experiences deeply affecting. The ghost’s viewpoint adds a lyrical touch to the story, with the house quietly observing the family’s turmoil.
Despite its unconventional approach, Presence remains engaging without feeling overly artistic or self-indulgent. Its pacing allows the film to maintain focus on the narrative while unveiling hidden tensions and personal secrets, capturing the essence of loss and the complexities of family relationships alongside the ghostly happenings.
Through Presence, Soderbergh reaffirms his knack for innovation. This film reinvigorates the haunted house genre by intertwining themes of grief, family dynamics, and the echoes of past experiences. Liang’s performance is remarkable, imbuing Chloe with both fragility and resilience, while Soderbergh’s direction perfectly synchronizes visual storytelling with auditory elements.
In a landscape where many horror films depend on cheap thrills, Presence stands out as a bold alternative. It is not just a ghost story; it’s a thoughtful examination of visibility and memory, evoking a lingering sense of contemplation long after the film concludes.
Personal Impressions: Steven Soderbergh’s versatility and boldness shine in Presence, further establishing his reputation for surprises. I found the perspective of the ghost to be a unique and moving way to experience the narrative. Callina Liang’s portrayal of Chloe’s grief resonated deeply and felt authentic.
Rather than falling back on jump scares, the film effectively builds tension through its atmosphere and emotional layers. It’s not simply a movie to watch; it’s one that you can experience viscerally. For me, Presence stands out as one of Soderbergh’s most creative endeavors, beautifully haunting in its exploration of existence and memory.
Do you believe that innovative narrative techniques like the ghost’s perspective in Presence enhance or detract from a film’s emotional depth? Share your thoughts.
