Presence Review: A Unique Ghost Story
A psychological ghost story with a twist, but lacking scares for horror fans.
Steven Soderbergh’s Presence is an ambitious take on the haunted house genre, told entirely from the perspective of a ghost. While this unique approach is intriguing, the film leans more into drama than horror, which may disappoint genre fans.
The story follows a family moving into a new home, but instead of jump scares or chilling tension, the focus is on their fractured relationships. Lucy Liu delivers a strong performance as the emotionally distant mother, and Callina Liang stands out as the daughter, the only one who senses the presence around them. However, the film’s slow pace and lack of genuine fright make it feel more like an experimental character study than a horror film.
That said, the ending delivers a solid twist, adding depth to the story. This won't be it if you’re looking for something truly scary. But if you’re open to a psychological, atmospheric take on the ghost story, Presence might still be worth a watch.
