Sundance Review: Steven Soderbergh's PRESENCE is a Haunting Tale of Otherworldly Intrigue

Director Steven Soderbergh has never shied away from pushing the boundaries of filmmaking, and with his new film Presence, he tells, a haunted house story in a very unique way. This inventive horror film takes a bold step by narrating its spine-chilling tale entirely from the perspective of a supernatural spirit haunting a suburban house. While the film boasts an intriguing concept, it does fall short of reaching its full potential due to an unnecessary subplot that never finds resolution.

Presence centers around a family that moves into a seemingly peaceful suburban house, only to be gripped by the unnerving certainty that they are not alone. Steven Soderbergh, known for his legendary career as a director, producer, screenwriter, cinematographer, and editor, brings his signature energy to the project making it an engaging cinematic experience.

The film has an eerie atmosphere and Soderbergh's masterful use of a single location creates a sense of claustrophobic dread. The haunting story unfolds with a sense of relentless tension, keeping audiences on the edge of their seats.

However, Presence stumbles when it comes to its subplot involving the parents. This narrative thread feels disjointed from the main story and ultimately goes nowhere, and it left me wondering why is was included. It's a confusing decision by Soderbergh, as the time spent on this subplot could have been better utilized in developing the central characters and the situation they found themselves in.

As a fan of Soderbergh and his filmmaking work, it's disappointing to see such a misstep in an otherwise promising film. The main concept, the innovative perspective of the supernatural, and the way it's shot are all commendable. However, the unresolved subplot detracts from the overall experience, preventing Presence from achieving greatness.

Presence is a thrilling cinematic ride that showcases Soderbergh's unique vision and storytelling prowess. It delivers genuine chills and a captivating main story, but its potential is marred by an unnecessary subplot. While not without its flaws, Presence still manages to leave a lingering sense of unease, making it worth a watch for horror enthusiasts and Soderbergh fans alike.