"Steven Soderbergh's perspective on ghostly existence: 'Presence'"
In the suburbs, the Payne family, still reeling from a tragic event, moves into a grand American residential home, hoping for a fresh start[1][2]. Little do they know, they are about to encounter an unseen presence that will haunt their every move[3].
Directed by the acclaimed filmmaker, Steven Soderbergh, "Presence" is a unique cinematic release that stands out from traditional haunted house films[4]. The movie's narrative is told exclusively from the perspective of the ghost itself, offering a chilling, first-person point of view as it observes and influences the Payne family[3].
This innovative storytelling approach is a deliberate formal experiment by Soderbergh, who aimed to "find a different way to tell the story" and use the ghost genre as a "Trojan horse" to explore a family in danger of falling apart[3].
Unlike typical haunted house films, "Presence" is less about jump scares and more a chilling, psychological family drama that uses the haunting as a framework to delve into complex emotional and relational dynamics within the family[1][5]. The film was shot using DSLR cameras rather than typical professional equipment, underscoring its experimental approach to form[1].
The ghost in "Presence" exhibits unnerving patience in its actions, initially causing strange and inexplicable events that are dismissed as normal occurrences[6]. As the haunting intensifies, the Payne family members begin to feel the impact, with the youngest daughter, Chloe, being particularly affected[7][8].
"Presence" is a slow-burning, voyeuristic psychological thriller rather than a conventional ghost story[3][5]. It's a haunted house tale that explores the darkness within a family, offering a fresh take on the supernatural genre. If you're looking for a chilling, thought-provoking film, "Presence" is definitely worth watching.
[1] The Payne family moves into a new house seeking a fresh start after a tragic event. [2] The movie "Presence" was one of the releases over the weekend. [3] The movie "Presence" is notable for its exclusive use of a subjective perspective. [4] The film "Presence" is set in a grand American residential home. [5] The movie "Presence" is unique in its use of a supernatural point of view. [6] The mysterious entity observes and influences the Payne family in the film. [7] The youngest daughter, Chloe, first senses an unsettling presence in her room. [8] Chloe, the youngest daughter of the Payne family, is deeply affected by the tragic event.
- The Payne family's search for a fresh start in a grand American residential home leads them to encounter an unseen presence, as depicted in the unique cinematic release, "Presence," directed by Steven Soderbergh.
- "Presence," a distinctive offering in movies-and-tv entertainment, delves deep into the Payne family's emotional and relational dynamics, using a chilling, psychological family drama as its framework, while offering a fresh take on the supernatural within the ghost genre.
