Steven Soderbergh’s Presence Put A New Spin On POV Horror, And I Didn’t Realize I Needed This Take On Found Footage

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As a seasoned horror enthusiast who has survived countless sleepless nights thanks to the genre, I must say that Steven Soderbergh’s latest offering, “Presence,” is an exhilarating addition to my horror hall of fame. With a career spanning multiple genres and a knack for pushing creative boundaries, Soderbergh has once again delivered a masterpiece that defies expectations.

Renowned director Steven Soderbergh is known for his versatile filmmaking skills across various genres. His latest project, the horror movie “Presence,” has caused walkouts at Sundance and is still making waves in other Film Festivals. I was fortunate enough to attend a pre-release screening of this film, which offers an innovative perspective on POV horror. It turned out that I hadn’t even realized I craved such a fresh approach to found footage.

Known for his daring creative ventures, director Steven Soderbergh has outdone himself once more. In the film Unsane, he dared to shoot using only an iPhone, and now with Presence, he’s taken it up a notch by capturing the entire story from the perspective of its ghostly protagonist. This innovative approach, coupled with its surprising finale, could well make it one of the most memorable horror films in recent years.

At the Hamptons International Film Festival, I was fortunate to catch Presence, and its distinct visual style left an immediate impression. The viewers, in essence, play the role of the ghost that the family is feeling, lurking in a closet until Lucy Liu’s character, Rebecca, and the Payne family settle into their new residence. Throughout the film, we observe this presence watching them from afar, eventually becoming more engaged in the household affairs as the story unfolds. For those interested, the movie has released an intriguing teaser trailer which you can find below:

In a distinctive situation, the opening scenes of “Presence” seem reminiscent of exceptional found-footage films. Similar to the style popularized by “The Blair Witch Project” and the “Paranormal Activity” series, viewers are immersed into the narrative they’re experiencing. This technique is effectively utilized in Soderbergh’s latest film, but with an unusual twist – we experience the story from the perspective of the ghost that’s terrorizing the family.

Just like many film enthusiasts, the popularity of found footage films began to wane, as the Paranormal Activity series seemed to lose its initial terror. Consequently, the ghost story of Presence felt incredibly refreshing and chilling. Remarkably, even though the perspective was that of the powerful character, Steven Soderbergh’s careful pacing and David Koepp’s brilliant script effectively built tension, culminating in a thrilling (and emotional) climax.

I won’t give away the entire 85-minute storyline of “Presence,” but let me warn you, it contains some intensely unsettling sequences. One particular scene involving protagonist Chloe (Callina Liang) in peril is sure to be a terrifying experience for viewers like myself. This isn’t an isolated incident; there are numerous instances throughout the film that will undoubtedly startle you delightfully.

Indeed, as previously noted, the conclusion of the film “Presence” is incredibly poignant. The narrative is skillfully constructed, enabling both the viewers and the characters within the movie to genuinely appreciate its climactic scenes. Moreover, it demonstrated that the perspectives in horror films like POV (Point of View) and found footage genres can still create a significant impact.

The film titled “Presence” is scheduled to hit cinemas on January 17th, 2025. For your convenience, here are the latest confirmed movie releases of 2025.

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2024-10-15 21:07