Lucy Liu Stars in Soderbergh’s Haunted House Thriller ‘Presence’

TORONTO, Canada — Lucy Liu, known for her versatile roles in action films, crime dramas, and musicals, takes on a new challenge in the horror genre with Steven Soderbergh‘s latest film, “Presence.” The movie, which premiered at the 2024 Toronto International Film Festival, explores family dynamics through the lens of a supernatural entity.

Liu, 56, plays Rebekah, the matriarch of a family that moves into a century-old suburban house. The film, set to release in theaters this Friday, uses horror to delve into unspoken family issues such as child favoritism and marital communication breakdowns. “The backdrop is a reality of a family dynamic and how this entity interacts or sees this family,” Liu told NBC News.

The narrative unfolds from the perspective of a mysterious spirit, captured through Soderbergh’s innovative use of a handheld camera. This technique, combined with the film’s suspenseful plot, keeps audiences on the edge of their seats. “This movie has a lot of suspense and when I watched it, it seemed like a thriller because things are unfolding and unraveling for the audience as they are watching it,” Liu explained.

Soderbergh, who also served as the cinematographer under the pseudonym Peter Andrews, employed unique methods to bring the ghost’s perspective to life. He wore martial arts slippers to move silently around the set, following the actors with the camera. Liu, who has directed episodes of TV shows like “Elementary” and “Luke Cage,” praised Soderbergh’s willingness to experiment. “Steven is willing to try different genres and ways of filming,” she said. “It takes courage because when you are somebody who is well-established and has a huge following of people, you don’t want to disappoint them, but in order to grow as an artist, you have to take big chances, whether it works or not.”

Liu’s career spans over three decades, during which she has broken barriers for Asian American representation in Hollywood. Born and raised in Queens, New York, Liu has taken on diverse roles, from her breakthrough in “Ally McBeal” to her iconic performances in “Charlie's Angels” and “Kill Bill.” She became the second Asian American woman to receive a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame and the first to host “Saturday Night Live.”

“Presence” is not just a ghost story but also a poignant exploration of teenage vulnerability and family relationships. The film’s young protagonist, Chloe, played by Callina Liang, is the first to notice the strange phenomena in the house. Her character’s sensitivity and the ghost’s protective presence add layers of emotional depth to the thriller.

Soderbergh’s collaboration with screenwriter David Koepp, known for their previous work on the home-invasion thriller “Kimi,” has resulted in a film that is both technically innovative and emotionally resonant. “Presence” is a testament to Soderbergh’s ability to reinvent genres and create compelling narratives within confined spaces.