Steven Soderbergh’s 'Presence' Offers a Haunting Take on Family Drama

The director’s first foray into horror blends innovative storytelling with emotional depth, exploring grief and connection through a ghostly perspective.

Steven Soderbergh’s new film 'Presence' uniquely tells a haunted house story through the first-person perspective of a ghost, offering an immersive and voyeuristic experience.
The film focuses on a family grappling with grief and strained relationships after moving to a new home, with themes of loss and connection driving the narrative.
Soderbergh employs innovative filmmaking techniques, including unbroken point-of-view shots and DSLR cameras, to create an intimate and unsettling visual style.
Critics note that the movie prioritizes emotional resonance and family dynamics over traditional horror elements like jump scares, drawing comparisons to 'A Ghost Story.'
Callina Liang delivers a standout performance as Chloe, a teenager mourning her best friend, while the house itself plays a pivotal role in establishing the film’s eerie atmosphere.