One of the most anticipated films of the winter is Presence, directed by Steven Soderbergh. This is no ordinary haunted house horror film. Not only does the movie boast a unique concept, but it’s also based on a real-life story from the director’s own experience, making it all the more terrifying.
"We Found Out Much Later"
Soderbergh revealed that the idea for the film came from a chilling event that unfolded after his family moved into a new home.
"We only found out much later that the woman who previously owned the house had died here. To be precise, she was killed by her daughter, with whom she had a complicated relationship," the director shared after the film’s premiere at Sundance 2024.
Given that Soderbergh grew up in a family of parapsychologists, his fascination with the supernatural fueled his desire to bring this story to the screen.
Plot: A Family Against an Invisible Evil
The story follows a family with two teenagers who move into an old house. Their relationships are already strained: daughter Chloe is mourning the loss of her best friend, while her brother Tyler frequently bullies her. Meanwhile, the parents are more focused on themselves than their children. In this fraught environment, the house, filled with antique furniture and mirrors, becomes a battleground for a mysterious force.
Chloe is the first to sense the 'presence' in the home. Soon, the entity becomes undeniable to the rest of the family, and a visiting psychic confirms that the house harbors an evil capable of tearing the family apart.
Minimalism That Creates Atmosphere
The defining feature of Presence is that the entire story is shown from the perspective of the ghost.
Soderbergh shot the film in a single location, making full use of the old house's eerie atmosphere. The camera glides through its hallways and staircases, putting the audience in the shoes of a disembodied observer. Complemented by a haunting piano score, the film creates a chilling atmosphere from the very first moments.
When you head to the theater, be prepared for shivers — this is a horror movie that promises to leave you on edge.
