The art of cinema has room for all kinds of experiences, whether unusual blends of genres, unorthodox storytelling methods, or unique filming techniques. Steven Soderbergh (Traffic) is a pioneer of modern independent cinema, and his movies are often acclaimed precisely for their inventive or distinct perspective. Presence fits into the latter category, featuring a screenplay by David Koepp (Indiana Jones and the Dial of Destiny), whose official synopsis simply states that a family moves into a new home and becomes convinced they aren’t living there alone.
Lucy Liu (Shazam! Fury of the Gods), Chris Sullivan (Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 2), Eddy Maday (in his debut), and Callina Liang (Bad Genius) play Rebecca (the mother), Chris (the father), Tyler (the son), and Chloe (the daughter), respectively, forming the central cast on which Presence entirely focuses. However, in my opinion, the film’s true appeal lies in the bold creative decision to tell the story entirely through the viewpoint of the supernatural entity.
Using perspective as a narrative tool beyond the visual realm is nothing new in the industry, but it remains an uncommon manner to tell a story or shoot a film. In Presence, using a first-person point of view creates long, uninterrupted sequences that bring a “fly on the wall” feeling, allowing viewers to experience the complex, unique dynamics between all family members in an incredibly captivating way. Nevertheless, it does become a somewhat repetitive process of cutting to black, followed by long takes, and back again, skipping time in a nonlinear manner – sometimes minutes, sometimes days – and always keeping the action within the four walls of the house.
That said, the benefits far outweigh these drawbacks. Soderbergh – also responsible for editing and cinematography – not only creates a deeply immersive atmosphere but also compels viewers to feel an overwhelming desire to intervene and help the characters, though they cannot, as they do not belong to the same world. This creates a shared sense of frustration with the ghostly presence about whom nothing is known – a rare achievement reserved for movies with significant emotional connection.
This “external” outlook of the household’s inhabitants makes the performances feel tremendously authentic, as if Presence were a documentary about a real family, dealing with genuine problems and connections. Chris has a stronger bond with Chloe, sharing a matching sensibility toward their environment and the people around them. Yet he also hopes Tyler will become the remarkable person Chris believes he is, encouraging him to protect his sister and support her during her ongoing devastating grief.
Rebecca, meanwhile, adores and nearly idolizes Tyler, her firstborn and the one on whom she places all her hopes for success and personal happiness while neglecting Chloe, who falls into a state of disregard and ignorance. Presence initially appears to superficially divide the family into these two pairs, but as the story unfolds and the tension between characters escalates, the revelations and twists delivered to the audience will leave anyone emotionally shaken.
Thematically, Presence is remarkably rich, deeply exploring grief, loneliness, forgiveness, and ultimately redemption, with thought-provoking dialogues about death and the lack of control we have in life. These themes culminate in a truly brilliant finale – one of those that transforms a “good movie” into something far more memorable and complete. The messages about savoring every moment of life, being true to oneself without outer influences, and fulfilling one’s purpose are powerfully conveyed and deeply lasting.
The only significant issues are the predictable editing cycle – which detracts somewhat from the film’s natural flow – and a secondary storyline involving Rebecca’s potential illegal activity that’s neither fully explored nor resolved. A few related details also remain unresolved or simply overlooked, perhaps because these weren’t deemed essential to what Soderbergh and Koepp intended to address.
Final Thoughts on Presence
Presence challenges narrative conventions and leaves an indelible mark on the cinematic landscape of 2025. Steven Soderbergh’s bold choice to tell the story entirely through the perspective of the supernatural entity proves to be a risk that pays off, delivering an immersive, unique approach that captivates the audience until the very end while intensifying the emotional connection to the complex family. The authenticity of the performances and the fascinating exploration of themes like grief, loneliness, and redemption outweigh the repetitive editing and minor unnecessary subplots, without undermining the overall impact and brilliance of the finale. It’s the first truly great film of the year.
Rating: A-
Presence is now playing in theaters.
Learn more about the film, including how to buy tickets, at the official website for the title.
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