'Presence' captivates with Steven Soderbergh’s ghostly perspective

Steven Soderbergh's Presence blends technical brilliance with haunting emotion.

In the trailer's final scene, Chloe (Callina Liang) gazes into a mirror and reaches out to touch it. © Peter Andrews/Neon

By Adila Ghina and Hayu Andini

Ghosts have been central to cinema for decades, from altruistic spirits to malevolent phantoms. In Steven Soderbergh’s Presence, however, the ghostly entity takes on an entirely new role. The entire film is shot from the perspective of a mysterious spirit, allowing audiences to see everything through its eyes. From mundane family life to chilling, suspenseful moments, this unique viewpoint creates a gripping and emotional haunted-house story.

Steven Soderbergh not only directs but also operates the camera, making him the literal “ghost in the machine.” The result is a technically sophisticated and emotionally resonant thriller that stands out in the crowded genre of supernatural films.

From the opening scene of Presence, the audience is thrust into the ghost’s point of view, seeing what it sees and experiencing its interactions with the world. The ghost resides in a suburban home — a two-story house with natural light, a wraparound porch, and a spacious backyard. Despite being confined to the interior, the spirit doesn’t appear trapped. Instead, it roams the house, moving restlessly from one room to another, observing and occasionally interacting with the new family that moves in.

The ghost’s demeanor is unexpectedly benign. It exhibits curiosity and even affection, particularly for Chloe, the teenage daughter played by Callina Liang. Chloe’s presence seems to comfort the ghost, which follows her through the house like an unseen companion. Its behavior, such as tidying up outside the bathroom while Chloe showers, suggests a reserved yet caring nature. This subtle characterization of the ghost as more than a menacing force is one of the film’s many strengths.

The family that occupies the house brings its own set of tensions and mysteries. Lucy Liu plays Rebekah, the driven mother who struggles with her strained marriage to Chris, portrayed by Chris Sullivan. Their children, Tyler and Chloe, further complicate the household dynamic. Tyler, a high school athlete, exudes arrogance that borders on cruelty, while Chloe is a sensitive and emotionally fragile teenager grappling with past trauma.

Rebekah’s overbearing focus on Tyler contrasts with Chris’s tender care for Chloe, creating palpable tension within the family. These dynamics, combined with Chloe’s unresolved emotional struggles, make the house feel like a pressure cooker. The ghost’s perspective amplifies this unease, as it silently witnesses the family’s private moments and escalating conflicts.

Screenwriter David Koepp, known for his work on Jurassic Park and Panic Room, crafts a tightly woven narrative that keeps viewers guessing. His expertise in confined settings shines in Presence, as the suburban home transforms into an emotional and psychological trap. The ghost’s restricted point of view heightens the tension, offering glimpses of the family’s struggles without revealing the full picture.

Soderbergh enhances this storytelling with his signature technical brilliance. The film unfolds in abrupt, disjointed scenes separated by moments of black screen, creating a sense of unease and unpredictability. Time occasionally leaps forward without warning, adding to the ghost’s restless, fragmented experience.

Presence is more than just a ghost story; it’s a masterclass in visual storytelling. Shooting the entire film from the ghost’s perspective is a bold choice, rarely attempted in mainstream cinema. While some films, like the 1947 noir Lady in the Lake, have experimented with point-of-view shots, Soderbergh elevates the concept to new heights.

The ghost’s perspective feels human, despite its otherworldly nature. As the story unfolds, the spirit’s observations become increasingly emotional, allowing the audience to empathize with its experience. This innovative approach not only immerses viewers in the ghost’s world but also deepens their connection to the characters and their struggles.

Soderbergh’s personal touch is evident throughout Presence. Using pseudonyms inspired by his parents—Peter Andrews for cinematography and Mary Ann Bernard for editing—he brings a deeply intimate quality to the film. This personal connection adds an additional layer of depth, making the story feel both universal and uniquely Soderbergh.

The film’s emotional resonance extends to its exploration of grief, trauma, and familial bonds. Chloe’s past trauma and her family’s fractured relationships provide a poignant backdrop for the ghost’s journey. As the story builds toward its climax, the lines between the living and the dead blur, creating a haunting and unexpectedly moving narrative.

Unlike traditional haunted-house films that rely on jump scares and overtly malevolent spirits, Presence takes a more nuanced approach. The ghost’s interactions with the family are subtle, creating an atmosphere of quiet tension rather than outright terror. This restraint allows the emotional core of the story to shine, making the film as much a character study as it is a supernatural thriller.

Soderbergh’s collaboration with David Koepp proves to be a winning combination. Koepp’s skillful writing and Soderbergh’s inventive direction result in a film that is both technically impressive and emotionally impactful. The strong performances from the cast, particularly Callina Liang as Chloe, further elevate the story, making the characters feel authentic and relatable.

Presence is a testament to Steven Soderbergh’s versatility and creativity as a filmmaker. By telling a ghost story from the spirit’s perspective, he offers a fresh take on the genre that is both visually stunning and emotionally compelling. The film’s blend of technical innovation, strong performances, and heartfelt storytelling makes it a standout entry in the haunted-house canon.

For audiences seeking a ghost story with depth and originality, Presence delivers a cinematic experience that lingers long after the credits roll.