“Presence” A Chilling New Thriller.

“Presence” is a gripping new thriller from acclaimed director Steven Soderbergh. The film features a talented cast, including Lucy Liu, Chris Sullivan, Callina Liang, Eddy Mayday, and West Mulholland. With its suspenseful plot and strong performances, “Presence” is the best genre film of January so far.

The main thing about this film right off the bat is how beautiful it looks. It’s filmed completely in a first-person perspective, with some scenes being one continuous shot that follows the characters from room to room. I will say it took me a little while to get used to the movement of the camera, but after I adjusted, it felt pretty seamless. The immersive nature of the cinematography really draws you in and makes you feel like you’re part of the story. The attention to detail in the set design and lighting enhances the overall experience, creating a striking visual atmosphere that keeps you engaged throughout. Overall, it’s a unique approach that adds an interesting layer to the storytelling.

The Story Of The “Presence”

The story unfolds as the family of four—Rebecca, Chris, Tyler, and Chloe—settles into their new suburban home, unaware of the unsettling entity lurking within. The house, picturesque on the inside, carries an unsettling air that only the “Presence” perceives. From the Presence’s point of view, the camera glides through the dimly lit corridors, capturing the family’s daily interactions and quiet moments.

Each long take conveys a haunting beauty, showcasing the family dynamics and the growing tension in the house. Chloe, with her curiosity, begins to notice the unusual occurrences—the flickering lights and a presence that seems to beckon her. It watches as the family begins to unravel, their friction escalating into arguments and tensions over the unease they can’t quite articulate.

In this emotionally charged narrative, Chloe grapples with the haunting loss of her best friend to an overdose, a tragedy that has left her in a state of isolation and grief. Her parents, understandably worried, struggle to reach out to her, unsure of how to break through the wall of sorrow she has built around herself. In contrast, Rebecca, who feels a more profound connection with Tyler, often overlooks Chloe’s pain.

As Chloe navigates her grief, she unexpectedly meets Ryan, a friend of Tyler’s, igniting a secret relationship that offers her a momentary escape from her reality. Lurking in the shadows the “presence” observes their interactions. Silently witnessing their struggles and the emotional turmoil that surrounds them.

Through the perspective of this presence, it becomes evident that their lives are intertwined in ways they might not have initially realized. The presence warns of impending doom, hinting that the tragedies affecting them stem from a shared history. It becomes a chilling realization that Chloe’s new relationship is not what it seems.

Conclusion

This is the first film of the year I would recommend as it is so unique. It’s a slow burn but the beauty in the imagery keeps you captivated from beginning to end. It has strong performances from Liu, Liang, Sullivan, and Mayday. Especially when you see all the long shots they took. Now with just Companion left in my main watchlist for the month, this takes the #1 spot. I would love to hear what you thought of Presence!