NEON, in collaboration with renowned director Steven Soderbergh, has unveiled a remarkable addition to the horror genre: the film *Presence*.This story brings a fresh twist to the classic haunted house narrative by presenting it through the unique perspective of a ghost, making it a standout release amidst a busy month for horror enthusiasts.
Interestingly, Soderbergh is not typically associated with horror films—his impressive portfolio includes hits like *Magic Mike* and *Ocean’s Eleven*.However, with *Presence*, he showcases his versatility. The film features a talented cast, including Lucy Liu, Julia Fox, and Chris Sullivan, and revolves around a family grappling with loss as they relocate to a suburban house. Rebecca, portrayed by Liu, feels a pervasive sense of unease as her family begins to experience strange occurrences, leading her to confront the unsettling truth that they may not be alone in their new home.
One distinctive aspect of *Presence* is its narrative approach, which immerses viewers in the experience of a ghost. This innovative storytelling technique posed significant challenges for the cast, who had to engage with the camera as if it were a fellow actor. Liu likened this experience to “sharing the same meal” at a dinner party, emphasizing the unique dynamics that emerged from this perspective.
Lucy Liu and Chris Sullivan Discuss a New Take on Haunted House Lore
In a recent interview with *The Mary Sue*, Liu and Sullivan shared their experiences of working alongside an omnipresent camera, which effectively acted as a ghost during filming. This first-person perspective in cinema has gained traction recently, echoing styles seen in *Nickel Boys* by RaMell Ross and found footage films. However, *Presence* breaks new ground by blending these styles into a narrative that feels entirely original.
Sullivan reflected on the filming process, saying, “It is not a way that we have ever worked before, and it is probably a way that we will never work again.” He noted the adjustments he had to make, indicating that it took time to fully embrace the unique challenges of this filming style.“I had to reset everything I knew about working on a movie in order to shoot it in this style, ” he added.
The exploration of family trauma is central to the plot of *Presence*, and the cast made an effort to portray genuine familial bonds throughout the shoot. Conversations between the “parents”, played by Liu and Sullivan, and their on-screen children, portrayed by Callina Liang and Eddy Maday, were essential in accurately capturing the complexities of a strained family dynamic.
Liu elaborated on this aspect, stating, “In the beginning, we talk about the house as if it’s perfect. The subtle dialogues about the house hint at the disrepair of the family dynamics and reveal who holds power and favoritism in the family.”
Combining themes of grief with the presence of a ghostly roommate complicates the family’s situation in *Presence*, crafting a scenario that’s anything but ordinary. The film promises to balance emotional depth with supernatural intrigue, showcasing Soderbergh’s adeptness at genre-blending and his ability to keep audiences engaged across different storytelling avenues.
For those eager to experience this innovative horror film, *Presence* is now showing in theaters.
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