About the Movie
Presence (2024) is a supernatural thriller directed by Academy Award-winning filmmaker Steven Soderbergh, written by David Koepp. The film stars Lucy Liu, Chris Sullivan, and Callina Liang, delivering an immersive and unique horror experience. The film was shot in an experimental style, emphasizing psychological tension over conventional horror tropes.
Plot Summary
The film follows the Payne family—mother Rebecca (Lucy Liu), father Chris (Chris Sullivan), and their two children, Tyler and Chloe (Callina Liang)—as they move into a seemingly ordinary suburban home. However, the house is occupied by an invisible presence, from whose perspective the story is told. Chloe, struggling with grief following the loss of her best friend, begins to sense supernatural occurrences. As the unseen entity observes and subtly influences the family’s dynamics, long-buried secrets unravel, culminating in an eerie and unexpected revelation.
Director's Vision
Steven Soderbergh aimed to reinvent the horror genre by using an unseen force as the narrative lens. His vision was to create a slow-burning psychological horror that relies on atmosphere, tension, and human emotion rather than conventional jump scares. By making the audience the "spectator spirit," Soderbergh forces viewers to engage with the film on an introspective and unsettling level.
Themes
Grief and Loss – The story delves into how different people cope with grief, particularly through Chloe's perspective.
Family Dysfunction – The film highlights the fractures within the Payne family, exploring tensions and hidden conflicts.
The Unseen and the Unheard – By adopting the perspective of an invisible entity, Presence explores the notion that unseen forces, be they supernatural or emotional, shape our lives in ways we don't always recognize.
Key Success Factors
Innovative Perspective: A narrative told from the viewpoint of a supernatural observer offers a fresh take on the haunted house genre.
Minimalist, High-Impact Horror: The film's psychological approach contrasts with traditional horror, making it appealing to modern audiences who favor slow-burn suspense.
Strong Performances: Callina Liang’s portrayal of Chloe adds emotional weight to the film, making it more than just a ghost story.
Soderbergh’s Directorial Reputation: His name alone attracts audiences interested in artistic and unconventional storytelling.
Why It Reached High Box Office Numbers
Curiosity Around the Concept – The unique perspective created a buzz among cinephiles and horror enthusiasts.
Effective Festival Circuit Buzz – Premiering at the Sundance Film Festival and opening the Sitges Film Festival helped generate early interest.
Word-of-Mouth Marketing – The film’s eerie concept and unconventional storytelling sparked strong discussions, driving more viewers to theaters.
Accolades, Awards, and Nominations
Premiered at the 2024 Sundance Film Festival, generating critical acclaim.
Selected as the opening film for the 57th Sitges Film Festival.
While it has not won major awards yet, it has received strong recognition for its innovative storytelling.
Critical Reception
Critics praised Presence for its atmospheric storytelling and fresh take on horror:
The Atlantic called it “an airy but intriguing movie that lingers in the mind.”
Time Magazine highlighted its “low-key horror with a big impact.”
Many reviewers noted that while it may not be traditionally terrifying, its psychological depth leaves a lasting impression.
Box Office Performance
Budget: $2 million
Box Office Gross: $4.7 million (as of early 2025)
ROI: A significant return considering its low-budget and limited marketing strategy.
Production Summary
Filming: Shot in just 11 days, demonstrating Soderbergh’s efficiency in filmmaking.
Cinematography: Soderbergh himself handled cinematography under his usual pseudonym, Peter Andrews.
Production and Distribution Companies
Production Companies: Sugar23, Extension 765
Distribution Company: Neon
Release Dates
Sundance Premiere: January 19, 2024
U.S. Theatrical Release: January 24, 2025
As of now, "Presence" is exclusively available in theaters, having been released on January 24, 2025. The film is not yet available on Video on Demand (VOD) platforms. Based on distribution patterns of similar films, it is anticipated that "Presence" will become available for digital purchase or rental on platforms like Amazon Prime Video and iTunes approximately one month after its theatrical release
Link IMDB: https://www.imdb.com/title/tt28249919/
Link Review: https://variety.com/2025/film/features/presence-ending-steven-soderbergh-david-koepp-jurassic-1236284360/
About movie: https://neonrated.com/films/presence
Consumer Trends
Rising Interest in Psychological Horror: Audiences are gravitating toward more cerebral horror films that focus on atmosphere and emotion rather than gore.
Demand for Innovative Storytelling: Consumers appreciate films that experiment with form and structure, as seen with Presence.
Film Trends
Experimental Perspectives in Horror: Films are increasingly shifting towards unique viewpoints, like Presence’s first-person haunting perspective.
Minimalist Horror: Low-budget yet high-impact horror films (e.g., Skinamarink) are proving that atmosphere is more powerful than extravagant effects.
Genre Hybridity: Horror films are blending with psychological drama to create deeper narratives.
Recommendations for Filmmakers
Explore Unique Narrative Techniques: Using non-traditional storytelling methods can captivate modern audiences.
Lean into Psychological Horror: Emotional and intellectual horror resonates strongly with today’s viewers.
Optimize Low-Budget Filmmaking: Presence proves that a film doesn’t need a huge budget to be impactful—strategic execution is key.
Recommendations for Brands
Collaborate with Indie Films: Associating with high-concept, festival-circuit films can enhance brand credibility.
Leverage Horror’s Growing Popularity: Horror consistently performs well, making it a great space for experiential marketing and product placements.
Capitalize on Psychological Themes: Brands that align with themes of introspection and emotion (e.g., mental health apps, wellness brands) can benefit from partnerships.
Why Recommend Presence?
A Fresh Take on Horror: Unlike conventional haunted house stories, Presence offers a deeply immersive and psychologically rich experience.
Engaging and Thought-Provoking: The film invites audiences to question the nature of observation, memory, and the supernatural.
Soderbergh’s Reputation: As an acclaimed filmmaker, his experimental approach makes Presence a must-watch for film enthusiasts.
Summary: Core Trends and Strategies
Core Trend: Experimental Storytelling in Horror
The success of Presence highlights the shift toward innovative, unconventional horror narratives that engage audiences in fresh ways.
Core Social Trend: The Psychology of Horror
The film industry is embracing horror as a medium to explore grief, trauma, and mental health, resonating with audiences seeking deeper emotional experiences.
Movie Trend: Atmospheric, Slow-Burn Horror
Films like Presence showcase the effectiveness of tension-building over traditional jump scares, aligning with audience preferences for cerebral horror.
Core Strategy for Brands
Align with Psychological Themes: Brands in wellness, mental health, and tech industries can leverage the film’s introspective nature in campaigns.
Support Indie Filmmaking: Partnering with unconventional films can create strong niche engagement.
Core Strategy for Filmmakers
Experiment with Perspective: Offering unique narrative viewpoints, like Presence's ghostly observer, can differentiate a film in a crowded market.
Maximize Budget Efficiency: Strategic filming techniques, like Soderbergh’s minimalist production, can yield high returns.
Core Consumer Motivation
Curiosity for the Unknown: Audiences are drawn to innovative storytelling and immersive experiences that challenge traditional formats.
Final Note: Trend and Recommendations
Presence exemplifies the evolution of horror filmmaking, proving that psychological depth, unique perspectives, and minimalist production can create a standout cinematic experience. Filmmakers should embrace innovation, while brands should explore partnerships with psychological and narrative-driven films to stay ahead in a shifting entertainment landscape.
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