Presence

Asking the bigger questions about haunted houses, Presence introduces a layer of existentialism to the classic horror genre. Directed by Steven Soderbergh and written by David Koepp, the film follows Rebecca (Lucy Liu), Chris (Chris Sullivan) and their teenage children, Chloe (Callina Liang) and Tyler (Eddy Maday), as they move into a house with an inexplicable supernatural presence in suburban New Jersey.

The film’s heavy usage of handheld shots proves to be a double-edged sword. In certain scenes, such as the dining room sequence where the camera captures Chris making a phone call on the front porch, the movement feels dangerous and voyeuristic, drawing viewers into the action. At other times, the swift, mechanical motion disrupts the illusion, reminding us that we are watching a camera move rather than inhabiting the characters’ perspective. Similarly, the frequent black transitions between scenes often feel excessive, breaking the flow and dampening the tension.

The house itself becomes a central character, introduced to the family by the enthusiastic realtor Cece (Julia Fox). Its eerie presence is felt both inside and out: the deep teal Victorian exterior exudes foreboding, while Chloe’s room, with its unsettling turquoise walls, takes on a sickly glow under dim yellow lighting. Paired with a chilling orchestral score, the house often delivers more tension than the plot itself.

Presence excels in exploring family dynamics. Chloe and Tyler’s relationship is realistic and often unpleasant, especially as they navigate their mother’s blatant favouritism, and Liu puts in a compelling performance throughout. Chris’s temptation to leave when Rebecca faces legal trouble adds another layer of complexity to the family’s already strained interactions. However, the portrayal of younger characters and their exchanges falters; their dialogue feels stilted, and Ryan (West Mulholland), initially a believably reckless and ill-intentioned classmate, devolves into a cartoonish villain during the climax.

 hysterical reaction – intended to provide a powerful moment of catharsis – ultimately falls flat. Despite Lucy Liu’s compelling performance and her poignant portrayal of a grieving mother, the big reveal feels hollow and underwhelming.

Although the narrative twist surrounding the enigmatic ghost is pleasantly unexpected, it falls short of the emotional impact achieved by similar stories, such as Danny Robbins’s 2:22 A Ghost Story. The film introduces the concept of spirits being trapped in time and space through a dubious spiritualist, but it fails to develop this idea in any meaningful way. The big reveal – intended to provide a powerful moment of catharsis – ultimately feels hollow and underwhelming.

While its moments of brilliance are interspersed with missed opportunities, Presence ultimately brings a fresh perspective to the haunted house trope. With its unsettling atmosphere and intriguing moments, the film delivers enough suspense and visual stimuli to secure its place as a distinctive addition to the genre.

Christina Yang

Presence is released nationwide on 24^th January 2025.

Watch the trailer for Presence here: