Acclaimed director Steven Soderbergh is back with Presence, a slow-burning psychological thriller that promises to send shivers down your spine. Set for release this Friday, January 24th, the film marks the return of the Palme d’Or and Oscar-winning filmmaker behind such hits as Traffic, Erin Brockovich, Logan Lucky, and Contagion. Known for his diverse storytelling, Soderbergh now turns his attention to a tale of domestic unease, blending tension, horror, and mystery into an unsettling cinematic experience.
Written by David Koepp (the screenwriter behind the likes of Panic Room, Jurassic Park, and Stir of Echoes), Presence takes an innovative approach to the haunted-house genre. Shot entirely from a first-person perspective, the film follows a family who, after relocating to what seems to be a picture-perfect suburban home, begin to feel the presence of something—someone—lurking in the shadows. As the tension mounts, their belief that they are not alone grows stronger, leading them into a chilling spiral of doubt and fear.
The film stars Lucy Liu (Kill Bill: Vol. 1, “Elementary”, Cypher), Chris Sullivan (Broadcast Signal Intrusion, “This Is Us”, Agnes), and Julia Fox (Uncut Gems, No Sudden Move), and a talented ensemble cast including Callina Liang (Bad Genius), Eddy Maday, West Mulholland (Dark Harvest, A Great Divide). With a story that relies heavily on atmosphere and the power of suggestion, each actor’s performance is integral to the unsettling tone of the film.
In an era where the haunted-house genre often follows a familiar formula, Soderbergh and Koepp’s collaboration brings fresh energy to the genre. The film’s unique narrative structure, coupled with its disorienting first-person visuals, sets it apart from the typical supernatural thriller. Presence is not merely about the fear of ghosts but the fear that something is creeping into the very fabric of a seemingly safe domestic space.
To mark the film’s release, we sat down with the cast to discuss their experiences filming such an unconventional thriller, how they navigated the first-person perspective, and their reactions to the walkouts during its festival screenings. Presence has already left audiences on edge, and now, it’s your turn to experience the thrill when it opens this Friday.
