"Presence" - movie review

Steven Soderbergh explores family and the supernatural in Presence.

Horror is in a fantastic place right now, and the arrival of filmmakers like Steven Soderbergh to the genre only reinforces that. Known for timeless classics like Sex, Lies, and Videotape, Erin Brockovich, and Traffic, Soderbergh typically operates outside the realm of horror. But his latest effort, Presence, demonstrates why the genre has become such a fascinating playground for storytellers of his caliber.

At its core, Presence is an intriguing exploration of modern family dynamics, filtered through the chilling lens of an unknown visitor. This POV-style supernatural drama reminds us that, at times, facing true evil requires more than just family unity.

The film centers on Chloe (Callina Liang), a young woman grappling with pain and instability. Her family has moved into a new home, hoping for a fresh start. Her brother Tyler (Eddy Mady) is the quintessential overachieving athlete, shouldering the burden of their parents’ unfulfilled aspirations. Meanwhile, their parents, Rebekah (Lucy Liu) and Chris (Chris Sullivan), struggle with a marriage teetering on the edge of collapse due to mistrust and control issues. At times, it feels like the children are the only glue holding the family together.

Presence captures the essence of being a fly on the wall in any American household, highlighting relatable struggles in a way that transcends race or class. The film’s portrayal of an interracial family adds a layer of complexity, emphasizing that even at higher income levels, families face universal challenges. While some may dismiss their problems as “first-world issues,” Presence argues that lack of communication and trust can destroy any family dynamic, regardless of privilege or hardship.

The film’s emotional core lies in Chloe’s journey. Already mired in pain, she exhibits behaviors that reflect a maturity beyond her years, yet her coping mechanisms are reckless and inconsistent. One moment she’s fully engaged; the next, she’s withdrawn. Her struggles feel deeply relatable, mirroring the fluctuating mental states many of us experience today.

Where Presence truly shines is in its exploration of themes often found in young adult fiction. During a press junket, I discussed with other journalists how the film feels influenced by the YA world. Its subject matter could easily have been lifted from an after-school special but is modernized with the anxieties and fears young people face today. A key sentiment is the emotional distance between parents and children, exacerbated by technology. The introduction of cell phones in the film underscores how families can feel worlds apart, even under the same roof.

Watching Presence may make you want to check in on your loved ones, a testament to its unnerving exploration of humanity’s flaws. The supernatural elements serve as a thought-provoking contrast to the horrors humans are capable of, raising the question: Could the supernatural be a force protecting us from ourselves?

While the film succeeds on many levels, the POV approach feels like a double-edged sword. It works well in certain moments, creating intimacy and tension, but at times it feels overly invasive. Still, it takes a filmmaker like Soderbergh to experiment with such bold techniques, and audiences are better for his willingness to push boundaries.

Rating: 3.0/5

Presence

Directed by Steven Soderbergh

Starring Lucy Liu, Chris Sullivan, Callina Lang, Eddy Maday, West Mulholland, and Julia Fox