Steven Soderbergh’s ‘Presence’ Haunts with Ghostly POV and Family Drama

LOS ANGELES, Calif. — Steven Soderbergh‘s latest film, *Presence*, redefines the haunted house genre with a ghostly point-of-view narrative, blending psychological tension with family dysfunction. The film, written by David Koepp, premiered on January 24, 2025, and stars Lucy Liu, Chris Sullivan, and Callina Liang in a chilling exploration of grief, loss, and unseen forces.

The story unfolds in a single location—a seemingly idyllic family home that becomes the stage for supernatural occurrences. The camera, acting as the ghost’s perspective, roams silently through the house, capturing intimate moments of the family’s unraveling. Rebecca (Lucy Liu), a mother grappling with financial stress and alcoholism, prioritizes her son Tyler‘s (Eddy Maday) athletic ambitions over her daughter Chloe‘s (Callina Liang) emotional struggles. Chloe, mourning the loss of her best friend, becomes the focal point of the ghost’s attention.

Soderbergh’s innovative approach to storytelling is evident in the film’s technical execution. The entire movie is shot from the ghost’s perspective, with long, unbroken takes that heighten the sense of unease. “It’s a movie turned inside-out,” said Soderbergh in a recent interview. “The camera is both omniscient and deeply subjective, creating a unique tension.”

The ghost’s presence is felt through subtle, uncanny moments—objects moving on their own, sudden chills, and fleeting glimpses of something unseen. However, the film’s early reliance on overt supernatural effects has drawn criticism for undermining its otherwise restrained tone. “The ghost’s behavior isn’t entirely consistent,” noted one critic. “It protects Chloe at one point but fails to intervene later, leaving viewers questioning its motives.”

Despite these flaws, *Presence* excels in its portrayal of familial dynamics. Chris Sullivan delivers a standout performance as Chris, the beleaguered father trying to hold his family together. Lucy Liu’s Rebecca is a complex character, torn between ambition and neglect, while Callina Liang’s Chloe embodies the vulnerability and resilience of a grieving teenager.

The film’s 85-minute runtime and limited scope evoke the spirit of classic B-movies, infused with Soderbergh’s signature style. “It’s budget Gothic that’s worth every penny,” remarked one reviewer. The haunting score, featuring surging strings, amplifies the tension, while the sparse dialogue and blackout sequences add to the film’s eerie atmosphere.

*Presence* marks Soderbergh’s first foray into the horror genre, and while it may not reach the heights of his earlier works, it showcases his ability to reinvent familiar tropes. “It’s yet another genre that Soderbergh has worked like a problem, and produced an elegant solution,” said a critic. The film’s exploration of loss and the unseen forces that shape our lives resonates long after the credits roll.