What if a specter could convey its narrative without making a sound? That fascinating idea serves as the foundation for *Presence*. Director Steven Soderbergh collaborates once again with *Kimi* screenwriter David Koepp to create an unconventional ghost story that is darkly humorous, engrossing, subtly eerie, and ultimately uplifting.

The film opens with an enchanting initial shot.

### The Camera as a Character in *Presence*

*Presence* begins in a residence at dawn’s early light. The surroundings are cloaked in shadows as the camera glides through the kitchen, hallways, stairs, and bedrooms, crafting a lively sense of movement. A delicate fish-eye lens effect transforms corners into shadowy enigmas, while the camera’s fluid motion implies not a mere observer, but an engaged entity.

As sunlight gradually pours in, the perspective evolves. The presence — and the audience — gazes upon a polished real estate agent (portrayed by Julia Fox) who arrives to present the house to the Payne family. Rebecca (Lucy Liu), the driven mother, is swiftly convinced about the property, eager for her son Tyler (newcomer Eddy Maday) to enroll in a prestigious school and pursue his passion as a star swimmer. Meanwhile, her husband Chris (Chris Sullivan of *This Is Us*) expresses concern about how the relocation might affect their other child, Chloe (Callina Liang of *Foundation*), who is mourning the recent loss of her best friend due to a suspected drug overdose.

The family dynamics unfold as Rebecca’s overwhelming “boy mom” energy collides with Chris’s gentle “girl dad” demeanor. Their disagreements, oscillating from passive-aggressive comments to overt confrontations, are silently observed by the unseen presence. Yet, it is Chloe who captures the attention of this spectral entity, as she navigates her sorrow — until she discovers she’s not completely solitary.

### A Unique Use of Perspective

In horror films, point-of-view shots typically evoke dread, hinting at an impending threat. However, in *Presence*, the camera’s movements express vulnerability instead of menace. The presence lurks in Chloe’s closet, not to frighten but seemingly out of fear itself. Soderbergh, who also takes on the roles of editor and cinematographer, skillfully employs long takes to trace the family’s interactions, fostering a sense of intimacy and yearning. The camera’s shifts — from one family member to another — reflect the ghost’s longing for connection, for recognition, for expression. Without uttering a single word, the presence’s emotions are vividly felt, making *Presence* an exceptional triumph in visual storytelling.

### A Stellar Cast Brings *Presence* to Life

Soderbergh’s remarkable cinematography is complemented by a cast that fully embraces the unique requirements of the film. The actors execute intricate, choreographed long takes with effortless naturalness, delivering dialogue that resonates as genuine and contemporary. Their performances exhibit depth, particularly as their characters start to sense the presence. Their subtle glances toward the camera imply an awareness that is both fleeting and meaningful, reinforcing the ghost’s viewpoint.

Callina Liang excels as Chloe, bearing the emotional burden of the film. Her interactions with the ghost range from cautious curiosity to moments of epiphany, as she reveals its ability to manipulate objects in her room. Sharing this revelation with her family only escalates tensions and heightens the supernatural occurrences. Lucy Liu portrays Rebecca with a frosty command, delivering a cutting monologue to her son that drew surprised laughter from the audience. Chris Sullivan offers a compassionate counterbalance as a father striving to comprehend and protect his daughter. Eddy Maday embodies the cockiness of a golden boy with little patience for his grieving sister, while West Mulholland enchants as Chloe’s secret crush, channeling a *My So-Called Life*-era Jared Leto.

Together, the cast forms a believable family unit, anchoring the story’s supernatural aspects in emotional authenticity.

### A Fresh Take on the Haunted House Genre

Soderbergh is well-versed in genre exploration, having delved into everything from heist flicks (*Ocean’s Eleven*, *Logan Lucky*) to psychological thrillers (*Unsane*, *Kimi*), action (*Haywire*), and even the risqué comedy of the *Magic Mike* saga. With *Presence*, he ventures into horror but refuses to be restricted by its norms. The house itself isn’t inherently spooky, and the film’s score oscillates between haunting, gothic-inspired melodies and the bright, pop-infused aesthetic of Chloe’s bedroom. This contrast emphasizes the ghost’s sense of alienation in the contemporary world.

David Koepp’s screenplay is likewise imaginative. Recognized for his contributions to blockbusters like *Jurassic Park*, *Mission: Impossible*, and *Indiana Jones and the Dial of Destiny*, Koepp injects a sharp, character-focused approach into *Presence*. His prior experience with ghost narratives, particularly the underrated *Stir of Echoes*, is evident here. While *Presence* is less