Presence (Soderbergh, 2024)

Presence is another innovative film from director Steven Soderbergh. Filmed entirely from the point of view of a ghost wandering through a house, the film immerses us in the daily life of a family, granting access to specific, intimate moments as though we were voyeurs.

After her friend dies, Chloe (Callina Liang) and her family move to a new house in an attempt to let go of the past, start fresh, and help her overcome her depression. From the very beginning, Chloe seems to sense the lingering presence in their new home, which creates even more tension between her and her family—especially with her mother (Lucy Liu) and her brother (Eddy Maday). As the film progresses and the presence becomes more noticeable to Chloe, you can't help but wonder what their connection is.

The way the film is shot is truly intriguing, as it is filmed entirely in the first-person perspective. Please, don’t let the first few minutes discourage you; you won’t feel dizzy the whole time, I promise!

In Presence, the camera gives us glimpses into the family’s daily life, revealing details about their personalities and relationships, but only through carefully chosen moments. This deliberate approach keeps the audience constantly questioning: Why are we witnessing these moments? Who is the ghost? What does it want? Why is it here, and why is it showing us these particular scenes? The gradual unfolding of the story builds tension steadily over its 85-minute runtime. By the end, I was completely on the edge of my seat. When everything finally clicked, I got chills and left the theater contemplating the deliberately unexplained details throughout the film, piecing them together with the final revelation. It’s one of those films that asks the viewer to look back at every moment and appreciate how each action serves a purpose—don’t feel the need to understand everything right away.

Soderbergh’s direction is nothing short of remarkable. He captures the ghost’s perspective with fluid camera movements and creative framing, crafting an immersive, otherworldly experience. This film is a prime example of how bold, experimental choices can result in a uniquely cinematic journey. I have a deep appreciation for filmmakers who aren’t afraid to take risks, and Soderbergh is certainly one of the best at doing so.

Presence is currently in theatres, and I highly recommend seeing it on the big screen for the full experience. If you’re someone who enjoys unconventional horror or experimental storytelling, this is one film you won’t want to miss.

Photo credits : Elevation Pictures