Exploring the Haunting Narrative of Presence
Acclaimed director Steven Soderbergh ventures into the realm of horror with his latest film Presence, an experimental portrayal of a dysfunctional family grappling with supernatural forces. The narrative unfolds from the perspective of the haunting entity, offering a fresh take on the ghost story genre. This project marks Soderbergh’s return to horror since his 2018 film Unsane, positioning Presence as a significant addition to his varied body of work.
Star-Studded Cast Elevates Anticipation
At the forefront of Presence is Lucy Liu, whose prominent role adds considerable allure to this highly-anticipated original film for 2025. The film boasts a blend of established stars and emerging talent, making it a standout project in the horror genre under Soderbergh’s direction.
Cast Overview
|
Cast & Character Breakdown |
|
|---|---|
|
Actor |
Role |
| Lucy Liu | Rebecca Payne |
| Julia Fox | Cece |
| Chris Sullivan | Chris Payne |
| Callina Liang | Chloe Payne |
| Eddy Maday | Tyler Payne |
| Lucas Papaelias | Carl |
| West Mulholland | Ryan |
| Natalie Woolams-Torres | Lisa |
Lucy Liu as Rebecca Payne
Date of Birth: December 2, 1968
Lucy Liu, born in Queens, New York, initially rose to fame with her breakout role on Beverly Hills, 90210. However, her portrayals in Ally McBeal, Charlie’s Angels, and Kill Bill: Volume 1 cemented her status as a leading actress. Liu is also known for her role as Joan Watson in the series Elementary and has lent her voice to characters in the Kung Fu Panda franchise.
In Presence, Liu plays Rebecca Payne, a mother whose complex emotional dynamics create a compelling narrative thread. In interviews, Liu has characterized Rebecca as a fiercely loving mother to her son Tyler, while navigating emotional distances with her daughter Chloe and husband Chris amid the chaos of their haunted home.
Notable Movies & Shows
|
Movie/Show |
Role |
|---|---|
|
Beverly Hills, 90210 |
Courtney |
|
Ally McBeal |
Ling Woo |
|
Charlie’s Angels |
Alex Munday |
|
Kill Bill: Volume 1 |
O-Ren Face |
|
Kung Fu Panda |
Master Viper |
|
Elementary |
Dr. Joan Watson |
|
Shazam! Fury of the Gods |
Calypso |
Julia Fox as Cece
Date of Birth: February 2, 1990
From her origins as a model and clothing designer in Milan, Julia Fox broke through in Hollywood with her powerful performance in Uncut Gems. Her role garnered her a nomination for Breakthrough Actor at the 2019 Gotham Awards, paving the way for further success in projects such as PVT Chat and No Sudden Move.
In Presence, Fox plays Cece, a realtor who unwittingly sets the horror in motion by selling the haunted property to Rebecca and her family, marking a pivotal moment in the film’s plot.
Notable Movies & Shows
|
Movie/Show |
Role |
|---|---|
|
Uncut Gems |
Julia DeFiore |
|
PVT Chat |
Scarlet |
|
No Sudden Move |
Vanessa Hair |
Chris Sullivan as Chris Payne
Date of Birth: July 19, 1980
California native Chris Sullivan has captivated audiences as Tom Cleary in The Knick and received acclaim for his role as Toby Damon on This Is Us. With a career that includes performances in Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 2 and Stranger Things, Sullivan’s versatility shines through in Presence as he portrays Chris Payne, a father attempting to keep his family intact against a backdrop of paranormal chaos.
Notable Movies & Shows
|
Movie/Show |
Role |
|---|---|
|
This Is Us |
Toby Damon |
|
Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 2 |
Taserface |
|
The Americans |
Assassin |
Supporting Cast of Presence
Callina Liang as Chloe Payne: A rising talent, Liang portrays Chloe, the teenage daughter in the Payne family. Her background includes roles in Foundation and Bad Genius.
Eddy Maday as Tyler Payne: Making his acting debut in this film, Maday plays Tyler, the teenage son.
Lucas Papaelias as Carl: Known for his roles in NYPD Blue and Wu-Tang: An American Saga, Papaelias portrays Carl in Presence.
West Mulholland as Ryan: After his first role in Fresh Off the Boat, Mulholland joins Presence as Ryan, Tyler’s friend.
Natalie Woolams-Torres as Lisa: Woolams-Torres has participated in several series, including Succession, and plays Cece’s sister-in-law in Presence.
Source : Moviefone
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