In this housing economy, it’s best to hold onto your home for dear life. However, facing a supernatural force that threatens your family would make staying put a difficult decision. In Presence, a family encounters this dilemma and must battle against an evil entity to save their home, and most importantly, themselves. 

According to Deadline, Steven Soderbergh helms the project as director and also cinematographer — where his camera moves around like the haunting entity itself. Moreover, David Koepp pens the script with a minimalist flair. Together their collaboration helps defy haunted house horror tropes — opting for a character-driven, slow-burn thriller over superfluous CGI and cheap jumpscares. 

Furthermore, The Hollywood Reporter reports that this isn’t the first time Soderbergh has worked with Koepp, as they previously collaborated on the film, Kimi (2022). Reviewers agree that the duo excels in escalating tension isolated to one setting. And in their latest project, the haunted house becomes a character, influencing the broken family within. 

The focus of the film is on a supernatural force that enters a couple’s home, owned by Chris (Chris Sullivan) and Ruth (Lucy Liu). The unnerving entity grows attached to the inhabitants within and fixates specifically on their daughter, Chloe (Callina Liang). Chloe, grappling with grief over her deceased friend Nadia, becomes a conduit for the mysterious phenomenon.

As the family navigates Chloe’s depression, conflicts arise on how to address the young girl’s struggles. Ruth advocates for her to handle her problems independently, while Chris wants a more direct approach. Meanwhile, Chloe’s brother, Tyler, offers no support. So with Chloe emotionally isolated, the supernatural force targets her.

Acting, directing, and writing prowess influence the film to be something audiences typically wouldn’t expect from a haunted house style film. Offering audiences a taste of something different, perhaps more in-line with an A24 film, unsettles us even more. Because, just as familiarity with a partner’s predictable jump from the closet diminishes the terror over time, horror should similarly break away from repetitive tropes to maximize its impact.

The upcoming thriller also stars Eddy Maday, West Mulholland, and Julia Fox.

Presence was just released Friday, January 19th at the Sundance Film Festival.