Presence (2024)

⭐⭐⭐

The supernatural thriller Presence (2024), directed by Steven Soderbergh, dares to break convention with its distinct focus on a ghostly protagonist. The film begins slowly and deliberately, immersing viewers in the unsettling atmosphere of its haunted setting. While this measured build-up may test the patience of some, once the story gains momentum, it delivers a gripping experience that holds the audience’s attention to the very end.

The story unfolds through the perspective of an enigmatic, unnamed ghost whose presence shapes and drives the narrative. This bold choice creates an intimate yet unsettling connection to the supernatural element. However, the ghost’s point-of-view occasionally feels restrictive, leaving viewers yearning for a deeper understanding of its origins and motivations. Still, this perspective adds an emotional layer to the film, as the spirit takes on an unexpected role—not of a tormentor, but a protector for Chloe, the family’s teenage daughter.

Chloe brought to life with sensitivity by Callina Liang, navigates an unbalanced family dynamic. Overshadowed by her driven and coddled brother, she isolates herself in a tense household. Her mother, portrayed with precision by Lucy Alexis Liu, seems devoted to her son’s success to an obsessive degree. Beneath her controlling exterior lurks a deeper mystery, as the film hints at illicit activities on her part. Though full of potential, this intriguing subplot remains frustratingly unresolved, creating a noticeable void in an otherwise compelling narrative. Chris Sullivan delivers a subdued yet compelling performance as the father, striving to hold his family together as it unravels under the weight of buried secrets.

The ghost, meanwhile, silently intervenes in Chloe’s life, offering protection as danger creeps closer. Its presence is felt most strongly through its focus on Chloe’s vulnerabilities. The moments where it shields her become some of the most poignant in the film, striking an emotional chord amidst the eerie backdrop.

Financially, Presence made a solid debut, earning $3.33 million during its opening weekend across 1,750 theaters. The earnings not only recouped its modest $2 million budget but also cemented it as a noteworthy entry in the competitive horror genre of 2025.

Though its pacing issues and unresolved subplots may leave some viewers wanting more, presence is an ambitious blend of eerie mystery and emotional depth. Its reflective moments, bolstered by strong performances and a unique narrative perspective, linger long after the film ends. For fans of thought-provoking psychological horror, this film offers a tale of protection, family tension, and the unknown, leaving audiences haunted in more ways than one.