Presence (2024), directed by Steven Soderbergh, is a psychological horror film told from the eerie perspective of an unseen entity inhabiting a family’s new home. The story follows the Payne family—mother Rebekah (Lucy Liu), father Chris (Chris Sullivan), son Tyler (Eddy Maday), and daughter Chloe (Callina Liang)—as they move into a seemingly normal suburban house. However, the audience soon realizes that an unknown presence is watching them, subtly influencing their lives. Chloe, still grieving the loss of her best friend, senses something unsettling about the house, though her concerns are dismissed by her family. As tensions rise within the household, the entity’s quiet observations turn into something more ominous, affecting the family’s dynamics in unexpected ways.
As the film progresses, the presence begins to take a more active role, especially when Chloe forms a dangerous relationship with Tyler’s friend, Ryan (West Mulholland). When Ryan’s intentions become threatening, the entity intervenes in a violent and shocking manner, revealing its true nature and purpose. The climax uncovers a haunting revelation about the spirit’s connection to the family, forcing them to confront their past and the traumas they have ignored. With its unconventional storytelling and unsettling atmosphere, Presence delivers a thought-provoking exploration of grief, protection, and the unseen forces that shape our lives.
