PRESENCE

PRESENCE

Directed by Steven Soderbergh

I still vividly remember summer of 1998. Long days spent at the theater my dad managed, watching movies (over and over). I was 10 years old and viewing OUT OF SIGHT having my mind blown, so much so that I made sure to see who directed it. I've been a huge fan of Steven Soderbergh ever since. 

PRESENCE is a continued return to theatrical releases after a few years spent in television and streamer hell. A low-key ghost story all told through the POV perspective of our titular spectral. We don't hear or see the ghost, we ARE the ghost. Floating from room to room with time passing by uneasily. 

We follow a family of 4--big bear husband, Lucy Liu wife, teen boy and teen girl who is the films main focus, Chloe. The family move into a new house while Chloe is dealing with the recent loss of her best friend. She immediately feels the presence and begins to wonder if it is her deceased friend. A deceptively simple plot, to say more would be a disservice. What follows is a slow burn of a drama whilst subtly increasing its thriller elements. 

The presence floats from room to room, hearing private conversations between family members, seeing bad things happen. Scenes play almost like vignettes, abruptly cutting to black. This isn't a scary movie but I was on edge, with a tight script from blockbuster screenwriter David Koepp. Keeping things concise with a runtime of 85 minutes, there's not an ounce of fat here. 

I haven't been able to get the film out of my head, especially the excellent finale and heart wrenching ending. All will be revealed with time. Ooooohhhh

👻👻👻 1/2 out of 4