Unveiling Presence: A New Chilling Vision of Haunted Horror from Steven Soderbergh

  • 09-08-2024 |
  • Julia Zimmermann

A new horror film directed by the mind behind Ocean's Eleven has just unveiled a spine-tingling teaser that evokes strong feelings reminiscent of In A Violent Nature. The initial glimpse of Presence is brief but powerfully highlights its distinctive premise: a haunted house story conveyed through the viewpoint of the malevolent force instigating the haunting.

Steven Soderbergh, known for his work on films like Ocean's Eleven, Magic Mike, and Unsane, takes the helm of this project, with a script crafted by David Koepp, who is recognized for projects like Jurassic Park, Carlito's Way, and Panic Room. Presence stars Lucy Liu as Rebekah, a mother relocating her hesitant family to a serene suburban area into a century-old residence.

With two children in tow, a fact frequently reminded to her by her husband Chris, played by Chris Sullivan, Rebekah largely concentrates on her competitive swimmer son Tyler. This fixation diverts her attention away from her daughter Chloe, who, while grieving a friend, begins to voice her concerns about the unsettling dynamics of their new surroundings. The supporting cast also includes Julia Fox from Uncut Gems.

NEON, the film's distributor in the United States, appears to have absorbed important insights from its promotional campaign for Longlegs, a film that garnered acclaim from genre enthusiasts for its deliberate and inventive marketing strategy. One viewer remarked on the promotional video that NEON succeeded in piquing their curiosity, while another expressed that other studios should learn from NEON's approach to film marketing.

Presence is set to hit US theaters in January 2025, though specifics regarding the release date and its availability in UK cinemas remain unannounced.