Steven Soderbergh’s 'Presence' Redefines the Ghost Story with a First-Person Perspective

The film offers a fresh take on the genre through the eyes of a vulnerable spirit observing a fractured family in crisis.

Steven Soderbergh's 'Presence' tells the story of a ghost observing a family navigating grief and tension in a newly purchased suburban home.
The film employs a unique first-person perspective, positioning the audience as the ghost and enhancing emotional intimacy with the characters.
Screenwriter David Koepp collaborated with Soderbergh to craft a narrative that blends family drama with a subtle, slow-burn ghost story approach.
Described as more of a ghost story than a traditional horror film, it avoids typical genre tropes such as gore and jump scares in favor of emotional depth and vulnerability.
The film’s minimalist setting and innovative cinematography reflect Soderbergh's penchant for experimental storytelling, delivering a poignant exploration of family dynamics and loss.