Steven Soderbergh's latest thriller, Presence, brings a new dimension to the haunted house genre, combining classic horror elements with a modern twist. Originally premiering at the 2024 Sundance Film Festival, this atmospheric horror revolves around a suburban family convinced that their new home harbors a ghostly presence. Known for his varied work, including Contagion and Side Effects, Soderbergh steps into supernatural horror with a unique approach: the story unfolds entirely from the ghost's perspective, creating an intimate and unsettling experience for viewers.
In Presence, Lucy Liu stars alongside an impressive cast, including Julia Fox, Chris Sullivan, Callina Liang, and newcomers Eddy Maday and West Mulholland. The film's cinematography and first-person POV approach envelop audiences in the eerie setting, mirroring the characters' descent into fear as they confront the mysterious entity. Screenwriter David Koepp, recognized for films like Kimi and Inferno, crafts a taut narrative that keeps viewers on edge, while Soderbergh's direction further intensifies the suspense with minimalistic yet haunting visuals.
Presence Posters
Presence is set to release in select U.S. theaters on January 17, 2025, with a U.K. and Irish debut scheduled for February 7, 2025. Building on the three teasers previously released, the final full trailer and new posters highlight the film's tense atmosphere and promise an unsettling experience for fans of psychological horror. This film continues Soderbergh's tradition of pushing genre boundaries, exploring horror through a distinctive, almost voyeuristic lens, inviting viewers into a chilling tale of fear and paranoia.
Presence Trailer
Presence showcases Soderbergh's skill in experimenting within different genres, here blending horror with suspenseful, psychological storytelling. The ghost's perspective is a compelling narrative choice, as it lets the audience feel like a part of the haunted home. This unique angle is likely to resonate with fans who appreciate immersive, slow-burn horror that reveals its scares subtly rather than with typical jump-scares. Lucy Liu's presence adds both familiarity and intrigue, while the supporting cast promises a well-rounded dynamic, as suggested by the intense and expressive scenes glimpsed in the trailer. For horror enthusiasts and Soderbergh fans alike, Presence could mark a memorable entry into ghostly, atmospheric cinema.
What's your take on horror films from a first-person perspective? Could this add a fresh thrill to the haunted house genre?
