Accompanied by a subtly menacing piano score, the camera methodically explores every corner of an abandoned house. Some areas receive a more scrutinous gaze, evoking an immediate sense of unease. From the outset, Steven Soderbergh, the idiosyncratic director behind Presence, sets the tone for this ghost story. Written by the seasoned David Koepp (Panic Room, War of the Worlds), with whom Soderbergh previously collaborated on Kimi, the film follows a family that moves into the house, with teenage daughter Chloe being the first to sense a mysterious presence. In true Soderbergh fashion, the film eschews unnecessary embellishments, focusing squarely on the essentials. Rather than relying on overt jump scares, Presence builds its tension through an increasingly ominous atmosphere. This is accentuated by the fact that the action is captured from the perspective of the enigmatic entity itself. The result is a chilling, atmospheric experience that lingers long after the credits roll, showcasing Soderbergh’s masterful ability to evoke dread through minimalistic yet effective means.
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Credits
Steven Soderbergh
Zack Ryan
Lucy Liu, Julia Fox, Chris Sullivan
David Koepp
Steven Soderbergh
Steven Soderbergh
Julie M. Anderson, Ken Meyer
Extension 765, The Spectral Spirit Company
The Searchers
More info
English, English
United States of America
2024
