Focusing on a ghost haunting a suburban family, Presence may appear to be a horror film reminiscent of Poltergeist or The Amityville Horror. However, director Steven Soderbergh and screenwriter David Koepp, known for their tech thriller Kimi, clarify that Presence was never meant to be a horror movie. Described as a ghost story by Koepp, Soderbergh agrees, stating that the film doesn’t fit his definition of horror. Drawing inspiration from personal experiences with ghosts, Soderbergh’s unique perspective shapes the film’s narrative.
Shot from a first-person perspective by Soderbergh, Presence follows a spirit observing a family experiencing personal and professional challenges. Rather than being a threat, the spirit longs to be part of the family’s life. The film explores themes of anxiety and heartache, drawing on Soderbergh’s encounters with the supernatural.
The decision to shoot all scenes as oners, with no cuts, presented a challenge that Koepp embraced. The film subverts traditional ghost story tropes, offering a fresh perspective on the genre. Soderbergh’s aversion to winking, both literal and metaphorical, is reflected in the film’s storytelling, which prioritizes vulnerability and human emotion over jump scares.
As long-time collaborators, Soderbergh and Koepp share a deep understanding of each other’s creative sensibilities. Their partnership has resulted in projects like Kimi and the upcoming Black Bag, driven by a shared passion for storytelling. Presence stands out as a unique exploration of family dynamics and the supernatural, challenging audience expectations of the horror genre.