What I really appreciate about the horror genre is its incredible flexibility, offering an exceptional range of connected sub-genres, from slasher flicks to creature movies. However, in more contemporary times, some types of horror have started feeling repetitive to me, especially haunted house tales. That’s why I’m incredibly grateful for a recent movie titled Presence, as it offers something fresh and exciting within the genre.
After waiting for quite some time, I recently managed to watch the 2025 film titled “Presence,” directed by the esteemed Stephen Soderbergh and penned by David Koepp. Watching it through my Hulu subscription, I must say that this ghost story stands out as one of the most original I’ve ever encountered. While it may be tempting to label it as the best new horror movie of the year, in my opinion, its narrative reaches beyond the genre’s boundaries. In what follows, I would like to share – without revealing any spoilers – why I believe “Presence” is one of the top haunted house movies in recent memory, perhaps even ever.
The Ghost POV Gimmick Is Used Wonderfully
In essence, Presence is a chilling tale about a haunting, but seen from the perspective of the ghost itself. The camera serves as the spectral eyes, capturing the eerie events that unfold in the Payne family’s newly acquired home. The story follows Rebekah (Lucy Liu), her husband Chris (Chris Sullivan), their daughter Chloe (Callina Liang), and older son Tyler (Eddy Maday) as they navigate this haunted abode shortly after moving in.
The film’s narrative perspective, which seemed like it could be a simple and repetitive trick, instead turned out to be captivating, both technically and emotionally. Shot by Soderbergh under the alias Peter Andrews, the cinematography was stunning in its continuous, one-take scenes that created impressive visual effects. This unbroken shooting style drew me deeper into the story than many found footage thrillers do, making me feel like an invisible spectator hovering close to these characters, whose growing appeal tugged at my heartstrings as the minutes passed.
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It’s A More Interesting Family Drama Than A Horror Movie
Regardless of the supernatural perspective that adds to its horror genre appeal, the movie Presence still offers a thoroughly engaging experience. In my opinion, Brian Koepp delivers some of his finest writing with this screenplay, effectively portraying the intricate relationships within the Payne Family.
I won’t reveal specifics regarding the ordinary troubles these characters face, but I can tell you they are portrayed in a genuine and relatable way, boasting solid acting across the board and tackling themes that resonate with many. While it falls under the horror genre, it transcends that definition. Certain scenes struck such a chord with me, reminding me of my personal family experiences, that I found myself on the verge of tears – an emotion I wasn’t anticipating at all.
It Has A Chilling Twist Ending
Top-notch ghost tales frequently conclude with an unexpected plot turn, such as the sensational twist in “The Sixth Sense” (widely regarded as M. Night Shyamalan’s masterpiece). Similarly, I am confident that “Presence” meets this standard and is a notable example of a well-crafted twist.
The surprise in this haunted house tale deviates significantly from typical scenarios, though its workings may initially seem puzzling. Yet, it fits seamlessly into the broader plotline. Furthermore, the concluding scene adds another layer of poignancy to an already heart-rending narrative.
When Presence debuted at Sundance, it’s no wonder some viewers left the theater, given its intense subject matter as reported by Variety. While I initially thought horror enthusiasts who anticipated a typical fright fest might have been disappointed, I believe those frustrated by something like the avant-garde indie thriller Skinamarink may find this film more relatable. Streaming Presence on Hulu, you might even start to question if there’s an unseen presence watching you at home.
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2025-06-12 14:07